Considering the role of allyship in healthcare: Implications and policy recommendations

Abstract The majority of the article will be dedicated to explaining (a) strategies that clinicians use that more (vs. less) effectively convey allyship during clinical encounters, (b) interventions implemented at the practice level that can effectively signal allyship, as well as the limitations of these approaches, and (c) policies established by national medical organizations and governmental agencies to dismantle disparity‐producing practices. Therefore, we will draw from quantitative and qualitative research to discuss (1) specific types of allyship behaviors that are more (vs. less) effective in healthcare settings and (2) sociopolitical factors that might impact the success and utilization of these behaviors. At the end of each section, we will offer steps for future research and provide specific recommendations for effectively cultivating allyship.