Organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: A strategic path forward

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Health Professions Education
• Organizational Strategy

Background:

• Developing effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies is crucial for healthcare institutions.
• Systemic challenges require robust approaches to foster inclusive environments and diverse workforces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a DEI strategy development approach at a school of pharmacy.
• To foster stakeholder investment and build infrastructure to address systemic challenges in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• An organizational approach focused on infrastructure was employed.
• Stakeholder engagement included students, faculty, staff, and alumni through retreats and focus groups.
• A 3-year DEI Strategic Plan with defined priorities and metrics was developed and launched.

Main Results:

• The approach increased commitment and shared ownership within the school community.
• Key priorities included recruiting and retaining diverse talent, preparing culturally intelligent professionals, and building an inclusive community.
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders facilitated implementation and progress monitoring.

Conclusions:

• An organizational DEI strategy enhances commitment and shared ownership.
• This approach is adaptable to various healthcare settings.
• It contributes to the cultural transformation needed for a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.