Module 7: Optimizing Health Systems in LTC
170 7.2.1 EDI initiatives in the LTC Setting
Negative outcomes with lack of EDI:
- Increased staff turnover and decreased productivity
- Decreased wellbeing and mental health
- Poor patient health outcomes
- Health inequities
- Increased racism and discrimination
- Increased social isolation
Barriers to implementation and integration of EDI principles in the LTC setting:
- Lack of awareness and experience working within diversity
- Unconscious biases and lack of recognition
- Language barriers
- Generational diversity
- Lack of inclusive language
- Lack of engagement of members from diverse groups
- Lack of diverse cultural food options
- Lack of resources[1]
EDI initiatives in the LTC setting:
- Residents, staff, and visitors are exposed to diversity and the principles of EDI by building awareness – posters, activities, celebrations
- Approaches to facilitate change within LTC organizations
- Education – ongoing learning opportunities for staff and residents
- Offering foods that are specific to an individual’s culture
- Zero tolerance for racism and discrimination – policy and procedure development
- Staff, visitors, and residents are encouraged to reflect and recognize unconscious biases and how these unconscious biases have impacted their relationships with others from different backgrounds (we all have them)
- Al-Manaihil, 2022 ↵