From Awareness to Action: Practicing Diversity-Sensitive Skills in Healthcare
Eva KICKHOEFEN, Chiara THOMAS, Katrin DÖRR, Riho ATSUMI, Viand Duc BUI, Vitalii MININ and Andy MAUN
People from marginalized groups continue to face structural inequities in healthcare (e.g. longer waiting times, higher rates of misdiagnosis, feeling dismissed in clinical encounters). These inequities not only affect individual health outcomes but also contribute to higher overall healthcare costs through delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatments, and increased use of emergency services. Promoting diversity-sensitive and respectful communication among medical students and healthcare professionals early in their education is key to building equitable and inclusive care.By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize and reflect on key diversity dimensions such as culture, migration, disability and LGBTQIA+ identities. 2. Identify and question their own stereotypes and unconscious biases. 3. Explain why diversity-sensitive communication is essential for equitable, high-quality care. 4. Apply inclusive communication strategies and use practical tools and resources for working with diverse patient groups in primary care.The workshop combines brief theoretical input, self-reflection exercises, and small-group activities to foster applied learning, practical skill development, and peer exchange. Participants engage in case-based discussions and collaborative problem-solving to strengthen diversity-sensitive communication. – Introduction (15 min): Overview of marginalized groups, reflection on personal biases and stereotypes as well as the implications of discrimination in the context of primary care. – Group work (25 min): Participants are divided into four small groups to complete one of two tasks: * Task 1: Case-based-training of inclusive communication skills. * Task 2: Designing an accessible and inclusive medical practice. – Plenary discussion (10 min): Sharing insights, outcomes, challenges, and key takeaways. – Conclusion (10 min): Summary of the main points, a broader outlook on topics such as intersectionality, and the presentation of practical resources, including self-learning modules, flyers, and translation apps.Participants will gain a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion in healthcare, acquire practical strategies and resources to promote equitable, patient-centered communication, and benefit from peer discussion and networking opportunities.We are all influenced by unconscious biases. Reflecting on them and practicing inclusive communication enables healthcare professionals to promote equity in care and contribute to a more inclusive society.
