Advanced ARIA (Virtual) | December 2022-Impact of Gender and Racial Diversity

Impact of Gender and Racial Diversity

Pdf Summary

In this document, Dr. Victoria Gomez discusses the impact of gender and racial diversity in healthcare and provides strategies for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce. Dr. Gomez highlights the benefits of DEI, both from a patient-centered and employee-centered perspective. Implementing DEI in healthcare improves provider-patient communication, enhances patient compliance, and leads to better healthcare outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, DEI promotes employee satisfaction, trust in management, and improved performance, resulting in stronger, more efficient organizations.<br /><br />To incorporate DEI into the workforce, Dr. Gomez recommends several strategies. First, conducting a climate assessment and utilizing workforce analytics helps measure equity, inclusion, and diversity within an organization. This data informs strategies and action plans for recruiting diverse talent, providing local DEI resources, retaining and developing diverse talent, and increasing diversity of the patient population. The establishment of an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is also important in providing oversight and developing a DEI task force within an organization. Educating employees through diversity and inclusion training, addressing unconscious bias, and promoting appreciation rather than tolerance are crucial steps in fostering an inclusive work environment.<br /><br />Dr. Gomez emphasizes the need for structured learning opportunities and resources such as online modules, workshops, and courses to educate employees on DEI. Organizations should establish goals, benchmarks, and accountability measures, periodically reassessing their efforts. Finally, expanding DEI resources through organizational structures like DEI oversight committees and employee resource groups (ERGs) further enhances cultural awareness, professional development, and community outreach.<br /><br />In summary, Dr. Gomez highlights the importance of DEI in healthcare and provides strategies for incorporating it into the workforce. Understanding the value of DEI, conducting assessments, educating employees, implementing strategies and action plans, and expanding DEI resources are key steps in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Keywords

gender diversity

racial diversity

healthcare

equity in healthcare

inclusion in healthcare

patient-centered care

employee satisfaction

workforce analytics

diversity and inclusion training

DEI goals and benchmarks