Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workplace

(based on 1311 customer ratings)

Author: Leah Westover, MPH, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

This course is intended for employees to learn about the different types of diversity and how, together, they impact the healthcare workplace. The benefits of diversity are vast and impact many aspects of a healthcare facility’s success. Definitions of diversity categories are outlined along with discussion covering prejudice, stereotyping, the importance of inclusion, as well as diversity benefits and challenges. Suggestions for diversity plan management and execution are also included. This course includes both ungraded practice questions and a graded assessment upon completion.

Objectives

  • Define workplace diversity and how it is manifested in the healthcare marketplace.
  • List and describe the primary and secondary dimensions of workplace diversity.
  • Develop an awareness and appreciation of employee diversity within the healthcare workplace.
  • Outline various workplace diversity benefits for both employees and health care facilities.

Course Outline

  • Introduction
      • Introduction to Workplace Diversity
      • Defining Diversity
      • Importance of Diversity
      • Stereotypes and Diversity
      • True or False: Diversity practices involve just the employee recruitment process within a healthcare organization.
      • Which of the following are barriers to successful diversity practices?
  • Types of Diversity
      • Dimensions of Diversity
      • Gender Diversity
      • Age Diversity
      • Racial, Cultural, and Ethnic Heritage Diversity
      • Physical and Mental Abilities/Disabilities
      • Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Diversity
      • Other Types of Diversity
      • True or False: When meeting someone new, it is appropriate to ask them for their pronouns.
      • Which of the following is appropriate for accommodating an employee with a disability?
      • When creating a diverse work environment, which of the following questions is not appropriate?
  • Challenges to Diversity
      • Fear of Those Who are Different
      • Ignoring the Importance of Diversity Doesn't Work
  • Managing Workplace Diversity
    • For Employers
      • Assessing Workplace Diversity
      • Developing Workplace Diversity Plans
    • For Employees
      • Diversity Tips for Healthcare Professionals
      • Diversity Tips for Healthcare Professionals, continued
  • Conclusion
      • Benefits of Workplace Diversity in Healthcare Settings
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: All healthcare personnel. 
Author InformationLeah Westover, MPH, MLS(ASCP), serves as the AVP of Product and Market Strategy, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive product innovation and market expansion. With a diverse background in healthcare and education, Leah previously served as the Director of Education and Outreach at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, where she spearheaded educational programs to enhance clinical knowledge and patient care in the laboratory. Before that, she held a pivotal role as Lead Tech at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, demonstrating strong leadership and technical expertise. Leah brings a unique blend of clinical experience and strategic vision to her current role, fostering solutions that advance quality and performance in healthcare organizations.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.

This course is part of:
Workplace Diversity display
Healthcare Team Diverse Hands; Teamwork
Different ethnicity headshots
Happy healthcare team