Abstract
The US is becoming an increasingly diverse and multicultural nation. It is therefore imperative to increase diverse representation in the healthcare workforce to adapt to the evolving patient community. Many institutions and systems in the US, including healthcare, have been structured to benefit the “White majority,” with people from marginalized backgrounds conforming to the system in order to receive care. An increase in healthcare workforce diversity is an achievable strategy for health equity and improving patient outcomes, particularly racial and ethnic disparities. Translating this to practice is a daunting task, but it is crucial to focus on the solutions. Organizations must acknowledge the systemic issues which exist and take action by having governance structures committed to supporting initiatives focused on diversity and cultural competency. The impact of greater diversity in the healthcare workforce extends to diverse patients having overall improved experiences in access, clinical encounters, communication with practitioners, choice, and satisfaction.
TopBackground
Diversity is a key element of a healthy and inclusive society. First, it is important to define diversity and understand issues that exist due to the lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce. Although we often relate diversity to race and ethnicity, diversity also incorporates age, cultural background, language, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abilities. Cultivating an environment of patient-centered care requires fostering inclusiveness and awareness for patients, practitioners, administrators, organizations, and the community at large. If the workforce does not reflect the general population, negative implications will continue to occur. A diverse healthcare workforce enhances cultural competence and promotes a better understanding of the unique needs of patients from different backgrounds.
Many institutions and systems in the US, including healthcare, have been structured to benefit the “White majority.” Populations from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) backgrounds (~40% of the population) have had to conform to the system to receive care (Yearby et al., 2022). With the passage of the Patient and Affordable Care Act in 2010, it was estimated that nearly 50% of the newly insured population were BIPOC, which supports the need for more diverse health professionals (Betancourt et al., 2013). Additionally, the US Census Bureau projects the US population will become a “White minority” by the mid-2040s (Frey, 2018). With the changes in demographics, now more than ever, the healthcare workforce needs to adequately undergo a paradigm shift.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Health Equity: Everyone having the opportunity to obtain their highest level of health.
Diversity: Inclusion of people from various backgrounds. Diversity encompasses a wide range: abilities, age, cultural background, gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
Educational Pipeline: Students’ progress from grade-level to higher education. Strategies to promote health careers and improve educational resources in primary and secondary education to increase interest for BIPOC.
Stereotype: A generalized belief about a group of people. This may lead to prejudice attitudes.
Trust: Having confidence in the treating practitioner and healthcare system to act in a patient’s best interest.
Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how identities can overlap, including those related to ability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, nationality, and religion.
Implicit Biases: Unconscious attitudes and behaviors towards another person based on stereotypes associated with categories such as race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age.
Culturally Competent: Obtaining the knowledge and skills required to provide quality services to people from varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Prejudice: A preconceived feeling or opinion about an individual based on personal characteristics.