Compliance With Accreditation Standards on Diversity: Is Institutional Support the Missing Link?
Shani Fleming1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, Violet Kulo1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, Andrew Stakem1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
1Shani Fleming is associate professor in the Physician Assistant Program and the Physician Assistant Leadership and Learning Academy, Graduate School, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.
Summary
Accreditation standards for Physician Assistant (PA) programs are increasingly recognizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Institutional support and early pipeline development are crucial for PA programs to meet DEI accreditation goals.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Medical Accreditation
- Diversity and Inclusion Studies
Background:
- The impact of accreditation standards on diversity and inclusion in academic programs is not well understood.
- The Accreditation Review Commission-Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) uses Standard A1.11 to promote diversity.
- This study examines the influence of ARC-PA standards on diversity and inclusion within physician assistant (PA) programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ARC-PA accreditation standards on diversity and inclusion in PA programs.
- To identify challenges PA programs face in complying with diversity-related accreditation standards.
- To explore strategies for advancing DEI in PA education through accreditation.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative exploratory study design.
- Review of diversity standards in health professions accreditation documents.
- Analysis of ARC-PA citation data related to diversity (June 2020-March 2023).
- Semistructured interviews with 23 PA faculty and leaders.
Main Results:
- Most institutions had existing diversity policies prior to ARC-PA Standard A1.11.
- Seven PA programs received 16 citations for Standard A1.11 non-compliance.
- Key themes from interviews included institutional support, pipeline development, program goals for diversity, and local context.
Conclusions:
- ARC-PA Standard A1.11 highlights the growing importance of DEI in PA education.
- Institutional support is vital for compliance with diversity accreditation standards.
- Advancing DEI in the PA profession requires leadership, partnerships, and accountability aligned with institutional missions.
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