A Preliminary Review of Diversity in the Healthcare Workplace

Abstract

It is estimated that over 80% of those enrolled in medical schools, nursing school, and the allied health programs are Whites, while African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans comprise about 7% each. The reason for these devastating numbers is the lack of encouragement in the underserved population in grade school and at home. Most K-12 schools in the U.S. do not require passing math and sciences courses to graduate. In addition, the lack of scholarship and sponsorship for minorities to pay for healthcare programs is immense. As a result, discrepancy of diversity could result. For instance, concerns over a lack of public health opportunities to target rural and underserved populations, communication barriers at the healthcare facilities, and discrimination in the workplace may derive. The aim of this paper is to highlight and review research on the relationship of sociocultural issues affecting diversity and equality in the healthcare workplace. The methodology used to gather information for this paper is by reviewing research papers, census reports and articles from journals and through websites. Improvement in diversity and equality is needed to avoid bias and discrimination at the healthcare workplace College admissions criteria, especially for minorities need to be reviewed, sciences and math subjects need to be implemented and encouraged in the K-12 setting, programs that foster mentorships and observer-ships with active physicians in the community needs to be created. If these measures are taken, the healthcare workforce would be one with ample diversity and thus productivity, creativity, and communication would improve.