Wolfgram Subject Guides: Special Topics in Health Science: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Science

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) is a term that describes policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of a variety of individuals with different identities within a culture or society.¹ DEI is significant in health sciences because these fields examine the health disparities between people of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, gender identities, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations. These include access to resources, history of medical abuse, and adverse outcomes.²

¹ Rosencrance L. Definition: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI). TechTarget. Accessed January 19, 2022. https://searchhrsoftware.techtarget.com/definition/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-DEI

² University of California Health. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Health Sciences. Accessed January 19, 2022. https://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-health-sciences

Journal Article Results for DEI Research

All of these results lists are from MEDLINE, the National Library of Medicine's international index and limited to publications within the past 5 years. Updated Mar 2024.

"Health Equity" AND "Health Occupations"
This search is best for researchers interested in increasing DEI in health care by educating diverse medical professionals.
"Health Equity" AND "Vulnerable Populations"
This search is best for researchers who want to improve healthcare for vulnerable populations by implementing DEI techniques in their practice.
"Maternal Mortality" AND "Healthcare Disparities"
This search is a good starting point for researchers who are interested in the huge disparity between maternal mortality rates in women of color and white women. This search could be modified to examine how existing standards have led to the increase of mortality in BIPOC mothers or could focus on techniques used to overcome this existing disparity.
"Transgendered Persons" AND "Healthcare Disparities"
This search is best for researchers who are interested in the ability of transgender people to access health care and best practices when treating gender non-conforming patients. This list can be narrowed by focusing on the type of care being delivered.
"Sexual and Gender Minorities" AND "Healthcare Disparities"
This search is best for researchers who are interested in the differences between quality of care and access to healthcare for people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This list can be narrowed by focusing on one type of identity within this community or by limiting the search to the type of care being delivered.