4 ways to support equity & inclusion initiatives
Many hospitals have equity and inclusion initiatives to help make sure patients understand that you’re caring for their physical needs, and you also care about them as a person.
Here are suggestions from our nursing executive team of how an interactive system can support your efforts for patient inclusion and health equity:
1. Update menu titles & education categories
A simple yet impactful way to reflect inclusivity on your interactive system is to revise the menu set and education category titles to be more representative of all patients.
For example, changing the title “Mother/Baby” to something like “Postpartum/Newborn” helps make sure all parents—including adoptive families, non-birth partners, and nonbinary and trans patients—feel included.
These small changes can have big significance in making healthcare resources more welcoming to diverse patient populations.
2. Add equity & inclusion information screens
Introduce a dedicated text screen within your interactive TV system that clearly outlines your organization’s equity and inclusion initiatives.
This can serve as a reminder to patients and staff about your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
By visibly prioritizing equity and inclusion, you reinforce the message that these values are at the core of your care approach.
3. Educate patients about social determinants of health
Use text screens or educational videos to explain what social determinants of health (SDOH) are and why healthcare staff ask certain questions related to them.
Providing context helps patients understand that these questions are not meant to be intrusive, but rather, they’re essential for delivering personalized, equitable care.
Education on SDOH can promote better patient engagement and trust, while also bringing awareness of how socioeconomic factors impact health outcomes.
4. Use simple language in education & communication
Go through your educational materials and communications tools with patients to make sure things are written or spoken in plain, accessible language.
For example, use a term like “heart health” instead of “cardiology” so patients with varying levels of health literacy can all understand the information you’re providing them.
Simplified language reduces barriers to understanding, empowering patients to actively engage in their healthcare and make informed decisions about their treatment and care plans.
This approach supports health literacy and inclusion efforts by addressing diverse language comprehension needs.
These simple steps can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare experience, while also improving patient understanding and trust in the care process.
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