Trainee perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion: a group concept mapping study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Research
• Social Sciences in Medicine
• Health Equity Studies

Background:

• Growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in graduate medical education.
• Limited research utilizing participatory methods to capture trainee insights on DEI.
• Need for structured approaches to understand resident perspectives on DEI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To employ group concept mapping (GCM), a mixed-methods participatory approach, to describe resident perspectives on DEI.
• To identify key factors influencing DEI within a large pediatric residency program.
• To generate actionable steps for programmatic reform based on trainee input.

Main Methods:

• Group concept mapping (GCM) involving brainstorming, sorting/rating, and interpretation activities.
• Two synchronous discussion sessions and an electronic survey were utilized.
• Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering were used for data visualization and analysis.

Main Results:

• A total of 64 unique items related to DEI were generated by trainees.
• Five clusters emerged: city factors, institutional factors, program representation, program components, and non-DEI program perks.
• Program representation and program components were identified as most important and most amenable to change.

Conclusions:

• Group concept mapping is a valuable, scalable participatory method for assessing trainee perceptions of DEI in medical education.
• Trainee input can directly inform and drive programmatic changes to enhance DEI.
• Findings provide a foundation for targeted DEI interventions in pediatric residency programs.