Embracing Our Differences: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Perioperative Nursing Education

Abstract

A focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a health care system is critical to ensure patient safety and improve the health outcomes of all surgical patients and communities. Some patient populations continue to experience disparities that negatively affect their burden of illness, ability to access quality care, and health-related outcomes. Unconscious (or implicit) bias among clinicians can lead to unintentional discrimination against marginalized groups. Organization and perioperative leaders should recognize the importance of developing a workplace culture committed to DEI and implement strategies to educate and empower clinicians to embrace these initiatives. When developing educational offerings on DEI for personnel, educators should use a framework and a variety of educational strategies, such as listening tours, computer-based learning, simulations, and journal and book clubs, to engage teams focused on optimizing the health and well-being of the diverse surgical populations in their communities.

Keywords: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); educational strategies; microaggressions; unconscious bias; workplace culture.