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Diversity before the Horse

Shelby Daly

Have ATs done the opposite of diversity and inclusion initiate, putting the cart before the horse on the implementation?



Diversity (Noun):

uk/daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ us/dɪˈvɝː.sə.t̬i/

  1. Variety, a range of different things.  

  2. The fact that there are many different ideas or opinions about something


DEIA


What is the ultimate goal of DEIA? Diversity is important in society because it can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life, fostering creativity, innovation, empathy, & social cohesion. Bringing together diverse perspectives. But how do you achieve diversity?


The best way to approach equitable diversity is through cognitive diversity.


Cognitive Diversity


Cognitive diversity encompasses variations in unobservable attributes such as attitudes, values, and beliefs, including differences in problem-solving and thinking strategies. It goes beyond traditional current diversity initiatives that focus on observable traits. Embracing cognitive diversity can enhance the effectiveness of diversity, equity, inclusion, & access initiatives in athletic training, ultimately improving patient care.


Cognitive diversity serves as a prerequisite to effective diversity, equity, inclusion, & access initiatives. It offers advantages such as enhanced problem-solving, genuine inclusivity, increased access, & improved communication and collaboration. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, cultural sensitivity, & personalized care. Recognizing the nuances

of cognitive diversity is crucial for effective interprofessional practice & empathetic patient care.


By honoring cognitive diversity, it should in part recognize, respect & value differences of perspective based on ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability & sexual orientation.


Diversity should not be solely determined by the bases of skin color, religion, age, race, disability or sexual orientation.



COGNITIVE DIVERSITY: A Pathway Towards DEIA Initiatives in Healthcare


  1. Understanding the Root of Diversity: Cognitive diversity is about diverse ways of thinking, processing, and perceiving problem-solving. Grounding DEIA in cognitive diversity means recognizing diversity as more than representation—it is about valuing myriad perspectives to enhance patient care and health care outcomes.

  2. Promoting Genuine Inclusivity: DEIA, when founded on cognitive diversity, fosters a culture where every voice is valued, emphasizing that inclusivity transcends numbers or quotas.

  3. Driving Equity and Access: By appreciating cognitive diversity, health care providers recognize the importance of personalized care, ensuring equitable access and comprehension for all patients.

  4. Enhancing Problem-Solving: Embracing cognitive diversity allows for a confluence of varied thinking approaches, fostering comprehensive solutions vital for individual and institutional success.

  5. Fostering Cultural Sensitivity: A cognitive diversity focus leads to a better understanding of cultural nuances, essential for culturally competent care.

  6. Enhancing Communication and Collaboration: Rooting DEIA in cognitive diversity means fostering effective communication, enhancing interprofessional collaborations, and strengthening patient-provider relationships by removing language barriers and recognizing individual and cultural expectations of health and care.

  7. Empowering Continuous Learning: Valuing cognitive diversity paves the way for an environment of continuous learning, enhancing patient care methodologies and best practices.


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