DEI Resources

Evidence has shown that a diverse healthcare workforce not only improves patient care outcomes, it also allows organizations to be more productive, creative and innovative. Still, minorities face slower promotion rates and are significantly less represented in leadership and academic career positions.

In addition to curated resources and events on diversity, HRA also has dedicated the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learning Community focused on (1) identifying barriers to biomedical researchers’ full participation in discovery that can be addressed by member organizations and ways to advance research that improves the health of all communities, and (2) combating bias in health care that have resulted in the health disparities that exist today.

Demographic Data

Regarding demographic data collection, survey questions asked whether demographic data was collected and which groups of stakeholders the data was collected for. It was also asked what demographic data was collected (categories and subcategories), the approximate respondent rate, approximately how long the data had been collected for, and what reference schemes had been used to determine the demographic category options used for collection. Additional questions related to what groups were part of the organizations working definition of an underrepresented minority, how collected data was used, and if formal data use policies existed and had been reviewed by legal counsel.

View PDF report here.

Peer Review

Regarding bias in peer review, HRA member organizations were asked to describe any strategies in place to reduce bias in peer review, and whether demographic data was shared with reviewers. Members were asked if they evaluated reviewers or if they conducted any form of blinded peer review. Organizations were also asked if they had any strategies for diversifying governance, advisory or other external leadership roles and if they had any strategies to support or increase visibility for awardees from underrepresented minorities.

View PDF Report here.

Diversity Strategies

Regarding strategies to increase diversity, survey questions asked about identified gaps and motivation for making changes in the grant selection process. Questions asked about specific details regarding DEI programs currently in place, and whether any strategies had been used to increase diversity in grant applicant and awardee pools and if there was evidence of these strategies being successful. We asked whether feedback had been received for any of these strategies. Other questions related to international applicant participation and encouraging continued participation or resubmission in grant competitions.

View PDF report here.

Disability

Disability cuts across every identity and life circumstance, comprising 15% of the global population, and people with disabilities have the highest rates of poverty and unemployment of any group in the US.  While philanthropy is focused on equity and social justice, as a sector we are only beginning to understand that intersecting systems of oppression are leaving people with disabilities behind.

DEI Community Webinar with Disability & Philanthropy Forum[March 9, 2022]

Clinical Trials

Acclinate integrates culture and technology to achieve more inclusive clinical research. This presentation explored how Acclinate uses digital engagement to influence health knowledge, clinical trial hesitancy, intention to engage in studies, and actual participation among various groups.

Achieve More Inclusivity, Trust, and Patient Engagement in Clinical Trials Webinar [April 13, 2022]

Additional Resources