Is Health Equity really DEI?
Too often, I think the health equity conversation is often confused with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). They are related, of course, I actually think they intersect, but they are not one in the same. I think to start to drive to close health equity gaps, we need to focus on how work gets done, and ensure that inclusion is prioritized. Having a diverse workforce helps, as does equitable promotion practices, but exhibiting inclusive behaviors might also include asking questions like the following:
How are the therapeutic pathways that impact the most vulnerable prioritized?
How have the most marginalized people suffering from this condition been included in determining the endpoints of the therapy trial design?
Who has been included in the design of patient support programs? What features do these programs include?
How have patient education programs accounted for variable digital, financial and health literacy in the population?
What strategies has the brand explored to blunt the impact of healthcare provider biases?
What unseen barriers might impede the patient from being successful on therapy?
Does the data even exist to answer the aforementioned questions?
The ability to address many of these questions falls outside of the domain of DEI, and more in the realm public health. Do you agree or disagree? Are these valid questions? What other questions might you include if the goal to accelerate health equity?
