Examining healthcare staff views and experiences with equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in a multi-disciplinary healthcare setting: A mixed methods needs assessment to advance inclusive excellence

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is increasingly identified as a priority in healthcare organizations and an essential component of high-quality care. However, research on advancing EDI in healthcare workplaces is limited. This study sought to elucidate how to advance inclusive excellence in a clinical department of a comprehensive cancer centre. A mixed-methods quality improvement project was undertaken whereby staff completed an online survey, and a sub-group were interviewed. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and univariate regression analyses and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 103 of 219 staff/learners completed the survey and 17 staff were interviewed. Over 90% of survey participants agreed EDI should be a priority and 29% had experienced discrimination, which was associated with considering leaving the organization. Facilitators to EDI were: enthusiasm/awareness of EDI, openness to new ideas, gender diversity, and safe environments for self-expression. Barriers to EDI were lack of: EDI knowledge, cohesion/collaboration, psychological safety, diversity along various dimensions, EDI-related communication, and burnout. To advance departmental EDI, initiatives should leverage facilitators and overcome barriers to meet department needs aligning with organizational goals. These findings will inform the development of a story huddle learning series to strengthen EDI-related knowledge and skills.