Becoming Inclusive: Actionable Steps to Diversify the Field of Clinical Ethics

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Healthcare Disparities
• Health Equity

Background:

• A perceived lack of racial and ethnic diversity in clinical ethics settings was observed.
• This observation aligns with broader experiences within the healthcare field.
• A working group was formed to address diversity issues in clinical ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the negative impacts of insufficient diversity in healthcare and clinical ethics.
• To propose actionable strategies for increasing racial and ethnic diversity in clinical ethics.
• To introduce a framework for assessing diversity progress within the field.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing the harms of limited diversity in healthcare settings.
• Translating these harms to the context of clinical ethics.
• Developing a framework with actionable steps and assessment tools.

Main Results:

• Identified specific harms stemming from a lack of diversity in clinical ethics.
• Proposed a structured framework to enhance diversity.
• Outlined actionable steps and assessment tools for the field.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity is crucial for ethical healthcare.
• The proposed framework offers a pathway to a more inclusive clinical ethics field.
• Systematic assessment is key to achieving and sustaining diversity goals.