On-Demand: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Turning Words Into Action

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a more widely discussed topic in recent years. In 2021, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) cemented its commitment to DEI initiatives by developing a DEI strategic plan. This strategic plan includes commitments to end child health disparities, create a discrimination-free environment, and take institutional responsibility. In response to the institution-wide strategic plan, the Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (OTPT) developed a DEI core team to intentionally address cultural competence, community involvement, health equity, and diversity of the workforce.

Patient-provider race concordance can be an impactful aspect of patient-provider relationships. In the United States, the demographics of the physical therapy profession compared to the general population suggest difficulties in achieving race concordance. To take one example, according to census data, the US is 14.8% Black, but only 3.6% of physical therapists and 5.8% of physical therapist assistants are Black.

We believe that work surrounding DEI topics is fundamental to developing physical therapy spaces where patients and their families and caregivers feel welcome, safe, valued, and respected. This presentation will include background information on the goals and work of the OTPT DEI core team and disparities between the demographics of physical therapy providers and the patients we serve. Attendees will learn strategies to increase cultural competence in their workplace, engage in their community, and address health inequity within physical therapy spaces. Additionally, this session will include information about the development of a CCHMC Allied Health DEI fellowship to further address these initiatives.