DEI in Health Systems: Fostering an Inclusive Environmentfor a Healthier Future

The patient journey isn’t a universal experience. Studies have shown that White patients tend to be healthier and enjoy greater access to medical services than Black and non-Black patients of color, many of whom already suffer from economic, political, and social inequities. The CDC reports that social determinants of health, such as where a person lives, their occupation, and available resources, contribute to 60% of health outcomes. While hospitals and medical practices have been establishing initiatives to better prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the healthcare space, there’s still room for improvement. How can health system marketers ensure that their DEI programming is effectively helping historically underserved populations acquire the care they need? This report will explore how Black and non-Black people of color (POC)2 find and access their care, how these patients feel about their care experiences, and what health systems can do to promote equity and inclusivity.