Chapter 2 Diversity in Healthcare © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Learning Outcomes After completing this chapter, the student should be able to: 1.Define diversity. 2.Define cultural competency. 3.Define diversity management. 4.Understand why changes in US demographics affect the healthcare industry. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

What is Diversity? Diversity is defined as “the full range of human similarities and differences in group affiliation including gender, race/ethnicity, social class, role within an organization, age, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, and other group identities.” (Dreachslin, 1998) © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

What is Cultural Competency? A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals that enables effective work in cross- cultural situations. ‘Culture’ refers to integrated patterns of human behavior that include the language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious or social groups. ‘Competence’ implies having the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors and needs presented by consumers and their communities. (HHS Office of Minority Health, 1999) © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Implications for the Healthcare Industry Need to be “cultural competent” to serve diverse patient populations Increase need of healthcare services as the population continues to age Lack of younger and diverse workers entering healthcare professions Lack of women and other minorities in healthcare leadership roles © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Diversity Management Diversity management is defined as “a strategically driven process whose emphasis is on building skills and creating policies that will address the changing demographics of the workforce and patient population.” (Svehla, 1994; Weech-Maldonado, et al. 2002) © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Changing U.S. Demographics Ethnic and racial composition of America Aging of the population Gender and education levels by age groups © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC