NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 DEI and Ethics in Healthcare

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4000 Developing a Nursing Perspective

Prof. Name

Date

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Healthcare

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been evolving in healthcare since the early 20th century, primarily to address disparities and injustices in care. The landmark executive order by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 barred discrimination based on race, creed, color, or national origin, with President Lyndon B. Johnson later adding religion to this list. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 further dismantled segregation in public spaces and laid the groundwork for DEI efforts. Historically, minority populations faced reduced access to healthcare due to systemic issues such as discrimination, mistrust, and lack of resources.

Over time, educational programs and healthcare policies have worked to improve inclusivity and access, gradually transforming the healthcare climate. For instance, the Affordable Care Act signed in 2011 by President Obama provided broader healthcare access to previously underserved populations (Carrasco et al., 2022). However, disparities remain, as research has shown that patients often prefer providers of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds, while the healthcare workforce remains predominantly white and male (Popper, 2021).

Unconscious Bias, Microaggression, and Strategies for Improvement

Unconscious bias involves unknowingly making decisions based on stereotypes or personal experiences. These biases can influence professional decisions and often go unnoticed. Microaggressions, which are subtle insults or hostile behaviors, may arise from such biases, creating toxic environments and leading to mental and physical health issues such as anxiety, depression, and hypertension (Royal College of Nursing, 2023).

Common examples include assumptions based on age, gender, or experience in healthcare. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward reducing their impact. Educational initiatives, role-playing, and DEI-focused workshops help healthcare workers identify biases and cultivate inclusive behaviors. Organizations may offer training videos, posters, and team-building activities to reinforce inclusive values. These actions contribute to a healthier work environment by fostering mutual respect, which in turn promotes retention, collaboration, and overall morale.

DEI’s Impact on Health Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction

The integration of DEI policies not only benefits healthcare staff but also enhances patient care and outcomes. When patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care, adherence to treatment plans improves. This ultimately reduces readmission rates and lowers healthcare costs. Diversity within healthcare teams encourages minority patients to seek care in settings where they feel represented. Cultural competency is an ongoing requirement, beginning in medical education and extending through professional development (Plaisime, 2023).

When providers respect and integrate cultural beliefs into treatment plans, patients are more likely to trust and engage in their care. DEI also significantly influences patient satisfaction. Initiatives such as multilingual education, culturally tailored media, and inclusive communication practices help patients feel valued. As a result, patient satisfaction scores increase, indicating better care experiences and outcomes.

Table: Summary of DEI in Healthcare

Category	Key Elements	Outcomes
DEI Evolution and Legislation	Executive orders by JFK (1961) and LBJ added anti-discrimination policies; Civil Rights Act (1964) ended segregation; ACA (2011) expanded healthcare access.	Broader access to healthcare for minority populations; foundational framework for DEI policies in healthcare settings.
Unconscious Bias and Microaggression	Unconscious bias forms from assumptions and stereotypes; microaggressions result in subtle hostility. Strategies include education, role-playing, DEI workshops, and inclusive visual media in the workplace.	Improved workplace morale, decreased mental/physical strain, reduced turnover, and better interprofessional relationships.
Improved Outcomes and Satisfaction	Culturally competent care and inclusive policies improve treatment adherence, reduce costs, and increase minority engagement in healthcare. Language training and cultural awareness increase patient connection.	Higher patient satisfaction, fewer readmissions, greater patient trust and empowerment, and more equitable healthcare experiences.

References

Carrasco-Aguilar, A., Galán, J. J., & Carrasco, R. A. (2022). Obamacare: A bibliometric perspective. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 979064. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.979064

Plaisime, M., Jipguep-Akhtar, M. C., & Belcher, H. M. E. (2023). ‘White people are the default’: A qualitative analysis of medical trainees’ perceptions of cultural competency, medical culture, and racial bias. SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, 4, 100312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100312