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hallenges still exist in providing equitable
access to health care for all people. This
has been evident during the pandemic,
which has disproportionately impacted people of
color, particularly African Americans and Latinos.
Healthcare systems are key anchors of local com-
munities and have the platforms to push for a more
equitable society. By following these action steps,
your facility can help drive the change that's needed
throughout the nation.
• Recognize the need. Conduct self-assessments
of your own space instead of always looking out-
ward at society. It's important to support national
efforts and movements, but it's equally important to
assess how all patients, staff and surgeons feel
when they walk through your facility's doors. Are
you doing all you can to make them feel welcome
and recognized, regardless of their skin color? Is
inequality present in your daily practices, even if it
isn't overt? The challenges we've faced as a nation
over the past year have made these conversations
easier to have.
• Empower employees. A single diversity officer
should not be given the sole responsibility of carry-
ing out DEI efforts for a large facility or health sys-
tem. That's how it was done in the past, but the
model did not move the needle far enough or fast
enough. If we're going to make meaningful change
happen, the effort in individual facilities has to be
widespread and coordinated.
Essential Elements of Healthcare Equality
Building a more just system requires widespread and purposeful action.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Paris D. Butler, MD, MPH, FACS
VOICE FOR CHANGE Efforts to increase representation among providers should include open forums that promote communication and connection.
Penn
Medicine
