We believe that all healthcare organisations should be considering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their work and in their workforces. 

Diversity: involving people with a range of different characteristics, backgrounds and identities

Equity: ensuring fair treatment and equal access to opportunity for all

Inclusion: ensuring all feel welcome, comfortable and able to participate fully as themselves

Why it’s important in our work

Health outcomes are not equal between groups of people, either in the UK or globally. New treatments have the potential to improve the lives of everyone, yet health inequalities are still increasing. Healthcare communications can be a powerful instrument for improving health inequalities, if we develop them whilst considering equity and inclusion for a diverse range of people.

Why it’s important within our workforce

Looking beyond the ethical case for DEI initiatives, fostering these in our workplaces can also support business outcomes. A diversity of backgrounds and characteristics can cultivate more innovation, and promoting equity and inclusion enables this diversity of ideas and approaches to fulfil their potential. A diverse workforce may be more able to understand and deliver to all aspects of the population and developing the best possible DEI policies and processes will attract and retain this diverse workforce.

How diverse is the pharmaceutical and healthcare communications industry currently?

We ran a 2021 survey to take the pulse of the attitudes and action being taken in our organisations to address DEI issues. Read the results here.

If you are aware of further research assessing DEI in healthcare communications, we would love to hear about it. Please get in touch with alexandra@pmsociety.org.uk