Guest Post: Why EDIA is critical in healthcare recruitment, by Carissa Gravelle

Mirams Becker is pleased to launch our inaugural Guest Post Series on topics relevant to Leadership in Healthcare.

Why EDIA is critical in healthcare recruitment, by Carissa Gravelle

Tuesday November 12, 2024

Equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility (EDIA) are vital elements that can greatly impact the quality and effectiveness of healthcare systems worldwide. As society becomes more diverse, healthcare providers and organizations must adapt to meet the evolving needs of various populations. EDIA is more than just a set of principles; it’s a foundation for compassionate, effective, and equitable healthcare. Here’s why EDIA is critical in the healthcare sector, especially in recruitment, and how it can ultimately improve patient care, organizational culture, and healthcare outcomes.

Healthcare is at its best when it is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. A diverse healthcare workforce is better equipped to understand, empathize with, and provide care for patients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. When healthcare professionals share cultural or linguistic similarities with their patients, communication barriers are minimized, leading to more accurate diagnoses, higher patient satisfaction, and improved treatment adherence. Additionally, diversity in healthcare reduces health disparities, ensuring that all patients receive fair and personalized care.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare are persistent issues. These disparities often lead to unequal treatment outcomes for Black, Indigenous and people of colour. With a diverse workforce, healthcare systems can actively work toward bridging these gaps, offering culturally sensitive care that addresses specific health concerns prevalent within particular communities.

Diversity fosters innovation, and nowhere is this more needed than in healthcare. A variety of perspectives leads to fresh ideas, creative problem-solving, and a more dynamic approach to patient care. Professionals from different backgrounds bring unique insights into health issues and potential solutions that may not be obvious from a singular perspective. When a healthcare team is diverse, it is better equipped to tackle complex problems, leading to more robust health solutions, efficient patient care, and proactive public health initiatives.

As healthcare faces the challenges of globalization, including emerging health threats and cross-border health crises, adaptability is crucial. Healthcare organizations that prioritize EDIA are better equipped to work collaboratively with other institutions, adapt quickly to new health challenges, and understand the needs of increasingly diverse populations.

An inclusive culture in healthcare organizations fosters a welcoming and safe environment, not only for patients but for employees as well. Healthcare professionals who feel valued and included are more likely to engage with their work, perform effectively, and remain committed to their organization. In contrast, a lack of inclusivity can lead to high turnover rates, employee dissatisfaction, and reduced patient care quality. Healthcare providers who prioritize EDI create a space where everyone feels respected, contributing to a positive organizational culture and a more resilient workforce.

Healthcare workers face high-stress situations daily. If they feel supported and valued, especially those from historically oppressed backgrounds, they are more likely to remain in their roles, reducing turnover rates and associated costs. EDIA in recruitment and retention ensures that talented individuals feel they belong, which improves morale and stability within healthcare organizations.

The demand for healthcare professionals is increasing worldwide, making effective recruitment a top priority for many healthcare organizations. Prioritizing EDIA in recruitment broadens the talent pool, attracting qualified professionals from various backgrounds who might otherwise be overlooked. By seeking out diverse talent, healthcare organizations ensure they’re hiring the best candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

Intentional recruitment strategies that focus on equity can also help correct historical imbalances in the representation of certain groups within the healthcare sector. By actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented communities, healthcare organizations contribute to creating a more equitable society and inspire future generations to pursue careers in healthcare.

Trust is essential in healthcare; patients need to feel confident in their healthcare providers to engage fully in their own care. Studies show that patients are more likely to trust providers who understand their cultural backgrounds and can communicate effectively. An equitable, diverse, and inclusive healthcare workforce builds trust in communities, especially in those historically underserved or mistreated by the medical system. When healthcare providers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, they break down barriers to access and increase community engagement in health services.

There are legal requirements for healthcare organizations to ensure diversity, prevent discrimination, and provide equitable treatment to both patients and employees. EDIA principles are fundamental to upholding these legal standards. Ethically, healthcare providers have a duty to treat all individuals fairly and equitably, making EDIA a moral obligation as much as it is a practical necessity.

To incorporate EDI in healthcare recruitment, organizations can take several steps:

• • Broaden Sourcing Channels: Partner with schools, universities, and organizations that focus on underrepresented groups to attract a diverse candidate pool.
  • Eliminate Biases in Recruitment: Implement blind recruitment processes to minimize unconscious bias and conduct regular bias training for hiring managers.
  • Invest in Continuous Education and Training: Offer ongoing training programs focused on cultural humility and sensitivity to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable and respectful of diversity.
  • Promote from Within: Support underrepresented employees through mentorship programs and clear career advancement pathways, promoting diversity in leadership roles.

Equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility are not just abstract concepts but essential elements in building a healthcare system that truly serves everyone. Through diverse recruitment and an inclusive work environment, healthcare organizations can improve patient care, enhance innovation, build trust within communities, and cultivate a compassionate and resilient workforce. The future of healthcare depends on the active pursuit of EDIA in all aspects of its operation, from recruitment to patient care delivery, ensuring that every patient can receive the quality care they deserve.

By: Carissa Gravelle, Advisor, Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Bio:

Carissa Gravelle (she/her) is a registered social service worker in the area of community development. Carissa describes herself as a social justice and change advocate. She is passionate about anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, young people, under-represented populations, mental health and wellness. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade spearheading EDIA initiatives, training and programs.
Carissa’s educational background is in social service work. She completed her Diploma from Sheridan College and holds a Bachelors in Equity, Diversity and Human Rights from Laurentian University. She champions initiatives advancing health equity for marginalized populations and believes in the importance of educating through story-telling and intentional meaningful dialogue to change perceptions and inspire social change. Carissa currently works at Heart & Stroke Foundation advancing health equity and partnerships.

Carissa offers a number of workshops aimed at helping organizations expand knowledge of EDIA principals.  Learn more here: Diversity Equity Inclusion Workshops | EDI | Healthcare Executive Search

About Mirams Becker

Mirams Becker is a Retained Executive Search Firm dedicated to the Healthcare Sector. We are dedicated to building leadership capacity in the healthcare sector, one opportunity at a time. Following the launch of the firm, Mirams Becker was recognized as one of the top 50 Healthcare & Life Sciences Search Firms in North America. The firm is an active corporate member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, with strong alignment and commitment to the College’s vision to build connections for a healthier Canada.

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