The role of diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot be overstated in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape. As the Middle East and Africa emerge as cultural and economic focal points globally, it’s important for the healthcare industry to mirror the diversity of the populations it serves. This ensures that organisations create systems that foster the best possible patient outcomes, and that important cultural nuances are considered in decision-making processes.
Diversity stands as a formidable catalyst for innovation and the seamless transfer of knowledge. In a sector where scientific breakthroughs are paramount for enhancing patient outcomes and tackling complex challenges, companies must wholeheartedly embrace inclusion across every level of their organisation.
This commitment is not just about rhetoric; it’s a strategic imperative to foster a healthcare landscape that resonates with the diverse needs of its increasingly global community.
Diversity helps build patient trust and enhance patient outcomes
A diverse healthcare workforce not only enhances the sector’s ability to connect with a wide range of patient populations but also plays a crucial role in building trust and facilitating more effective healthcare interactions. As the region becomes more globalised, the diversity in nationality, race, and ethnicity is also increasing in each country. It calls for diversity in healthcare providers to reflect the diversifying patient population.
Studies suggest that doctors who cared for patients of the same race were far more likely to score higher in patient satisfaction. When patients see healthcare professionals who share their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, it can help build trust which is central to the patient-physician relationship. It helps patients adhere to medical advice or be more transparent about their medical conditions.
Beyond healthcare providers, when researchers and scientists in pharmaceutical companies have an understanding of their society’s cultural nuances, they can tailor their work to address the specific needs and preferences of patients in ways that are both effective and culturally respectful.
For instance, in clinical trials, race, ethnicity, age, and sex can all impact how different people respond to the same medicine or vaccine. This is why diversity among clinical trial participants is so important. The more diverse a group of clinical trial participants, the more we can learn about the safety and efficacy of a potential medicine or vaccine for people who have characteristics like those of the participants.
Equal access to opportunities ensures that diverse opinions are heard at decision making processes
Institutionalising diversity in healthcare can only be done by implementing initiatives that foster equal access to educational and professional opportunities in healthcare. This ensures a continuous influx of talent from diverse backgrounds, enriching the sector with a myriad of perspectives and skills.
At Pfizer, we have embraced this ethos through the Leadership Program for Aspiring Future Talent (LAFTA), a dedicated programme aimed at nurturing future leaders from all backgrounds with the objective of giving guidance and development in different areas such as leadership and a closer dive into our values.
Different approaches that support improved employee engagement are of the highest priority. This initiative not only ensures that our workforce is representative of our society but also equips our team members with the resources needed to infuse their unique perspectives into our scientific breakthroughs.
Especially in our region, creating platforms for diverse voices within the industry is a powerful means of addressing existing inequities in healthcare access. The scientific field has historically been dominated by one demographic, but by creating space for people from different backgrounds, we enable everyone’s voices to be considered and heard at every stage of decision-making. This ensures that decisions are not made in isolation but are, instead, informed by the nuanced needs and preferences of the communities we serve.
Female leaders in healthcare bring important cultural nuances unique to the region
Likewise, as governments in the Middle East and Africa place an increasing emphasis on gender equity, the healthcare sector faces a pivotal moment to address challenges related to women’s health while acknowledging and respecting cultural nuances. In our region, women play pivotal roles within families, and recognising and understanding this dynamic is key to shaping more inclusive healthcare policies and practices.
By having more women in decision-making roles, they can bring their unique perspectives that go beyond generic approaches. This includes addressing not only biological health but also cultural factors that influence women’s overall well-being, such as social norms, family dynamics, and community expectations.
They can also champion perspectives that have not always been considered among healthcare leaders, which is important in bridging health equity gaps that are more prominent in this region compared to the rest of the world.
As healthcare challenges become more complex everyday, it is more important than ever to listen to every voice to find solutions. While we are equipped with an array of tools capable of fostering a more inclusive workplace today, we must recognise that the true architects of an inclusive culture are the people themselves.
It’s important for healthcare leaders to take diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously: it is not just about leveraging tools but about fostering a mindset and commitment among our employees. It’s critical to create an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued in the pursuit of innovative and comprehensive solutions for patients, no matter their background.