Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care – Key Vocabulary

These vocabulary flashcards cover foundational terms, demographic trends, bias concepts, and key frameworks discussed in the chapter on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care. They are designed to reinforce the student’s understanding of critical definitions and phenomena that influence patient care and workforce dynamics in an increasingly diverse U.S. health system.

Diversity

The full range of human similarities and differences in group affiliation (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, social class, role).

Equity

Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people while actively identifying and eliminating barriers that cause outcome disparities.

Inclusion

Creating environments in which every individual or group feels welcomed, respected, supported, and able to fully participate.

Implicit (Unconscious) Bias

Attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding, actions, and decisions unconsciously; described as “the thumbprint of culture on the brain.”

Project Implicit

Harvard-based online tests that measure implicit associations about race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and more.

Ageism

Systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old; term coined by Robert N. Butler in 1968.

Health Care Workforce Diversity

The changing mix of racial/ethnic groups, ages, genders, and identities among health professionals driven by U.S. demographic shifts.

Non-Hispanic White Population Decline

Census projection that White, non-Hispanics will fall below 50 % of the U.S. population by mid-century.

Hispanic/Latino Population Growth

Largest U.S. minority group (nearly 18 % in 2016) projected to exceed 27 % of the population by 2060.

Asian Population Growth

Fastest-growing racial group (43 % growth 2000–2010) expected to double in size by 2060.

Baby Boom Generation

Cohort born 1946–1964 whose aging is driving a sharp rise in the 65+ population segment.

Silver Tsunami

Metaphor for the projected surge of older adults and associated chronic disease burden on health systems.

Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)

Human Rights Campaign survey tool that rates health facilities on LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices.

HEI Core Four Leader Criteria

1) Nondiscrimination & staff training, 2) Patient services & support, 3) Employee benefits & policies, 4) Patient & community engagement.

Sexual Orientation

Enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to individuals of the same sex, other sex, or both.

Gender Identity

A person’s internal sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither, regardless of biological sex.

Gender Expression

External presentation of gender (clothing, behavior, voice, hairstyle, etc.) that may differ from biological sex or gender identity.

LGBTQ

Umbrella term for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer populations.

Medical Tourism

Travel by international patients to obtain medical care, contributing to diverse patient populations in U.S. hospitals.

Intersectionality

Concept that overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, class, orientation) interact to shape health experiences and outcomes.

Institute of Medicine’s "Unequal Treatment" (2002)

Landmark report documenting racial and ethnic disparities in U.S. health care and recommending actions to reduce them.

Commonwealth Fund 2002 Survey

Study showing Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans experience more communication problems and disrespect in care than White non-Hispanics.

Alliance for Aging Research

Organization highlighting shortcomings in geriatric training and advocating for improved elder care; coined the term “Healthspan Campaign.”

Healthspan Campaign

Coalition calling for strategies to extend years of healthy life and manage the impact of an aging population.

Male-Female Ratio Shift

More males than females under age 25, but women increasingly outnumber men in older age groups due to longer life expectancy.

Population Aging

Projected rise of U.S. residents ≥65 from 15 % (2016) to 23 % (2060), nearly doubling in absolute numbers.

Implicit Association Test (IAT)

Measurement instrument used by Project Implicit to detect unconscious preferences (e.g., for young over old, men over women in science).

Case 2-1 (Jill Example)

Illustrates a workplace that is diverse yet inequitable and non-inclusive, highlighting mentorship and scheduling biases.

Case 2-2 (Tamika Cross)

Example of implicit bias when a Black female physician’s credentials were doubted during an in-flight medical emergency.

Transgender Health Disparities

Higher rates of mental health issues and barriers to care, including insurance denials and lack of provider knowledge.

Social Determinants of Health

Non-medical factors (economics, environment, education, food access) that influence health disparities across populations.

Cultural Competence

Ability of providers and organizations to deliver health care that meets patients’ social, cultural, and linguistic needs.

Patient Self-Identification

Best practice of allowing individuals to record both biological sex and gender identity on health forms.

Equal Visitation Rule

CMS regulation requiring hospitals to allow patient-designated visitors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Age-Friendly Health Systems

Care models that address the specific needs, preferences, and functional status of older adults.