Seeking Education, Equity, and Diversity (SEED)

Abstract

Introduction Health care work cultures that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) foster innovations, synergy, and appreciation for differences. To promote DEI, health care systems have encouraged professional development on cultural humility, which is awareness of one’s values, beliefs, and social position, given the current cultural context while mindful of history. The national SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) is a professional development program that prompts reflection and perspective shifting about workplace culture and systemic change. However, reports that examine the SEED learning experience and the participants’ intention for behavior change are lacking. The purpose of our study was to examine: (a) The SEED learning experience, (b) How personal views can foster cultural humility, and (c) The impact of SEED on intentions to effect change. Methods A purposive sample of eight (N = 8) faculty and staff from a SEED cohort at an academic health science center, with regional programs, participated in in-depth interviews to explore their personal views of how to foster cultural humility in health care and the impact of SEED to prompt intentions for behavior change. The investigators conducted a thematic analysis using an inductive, iterative method. Independently, they read each transcript and created codes for each comment. Subsequently, they compared findings, developed a coding frame, and grouped codes into potential themes. They then individually applied the coding frame to the data and considered themes. Finally, they built consensus on codes and synthesized codes into themes. Results Thematic analysis indicated the participants had a profound learning experience, which prompted them to develop cultural humility by re-framing cultural experiences and resolving to become more proactive about DEI in the workplace. They found small group discussions were insightful and provocative. These discussions led to new perspectives and behavior change or intentions for behavior change. Our analysis generated three themes: (1) Connecting with diverse perspectives, (2) Developing new perspectives, and (3) Being proactive with advocacy and new strategies. Conclusion Health care professionals and organizations can use our findings to encourage professional development that potentially stimulates behavior change, the ultimate goal of professional development, related to DEI. Future studies should examine the impact of this professional development within their organization and in the delivery of health care.

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