Supporting a diverse workforce

As we as a nation seek ways to improve health care outcomes, the health care workforce in the United States should evolve to mirror the makeup of the population. The Institute of Medicine raised concerns about the diversity of the health care workforce in their 2004 study, In the Nation’s Compelling Interest: Ensuring Diversity in the Health Care Workforce. Their conclusion was that increased diversity will lead to improved access to care, greater patient choice and satisfaction, and better education experience for health professional students, among other benefits.

Occupational therapy practitioners support the health and participation of clients through engagement in meaningful occupations (i.e., everyday activities). OTs and OTAs help clients who have experienced (or are at risk for experiencing) illness, injury, or disability to engage in their meaningful roles, habits, and routines, all of which are linked to their culture, background, and experience.

In addition, a more diverse health care workforce is important because:

• Patients who receive care from members of their own racial and ethnic background tend to have better outcomes;
• Health professionals from underrepresented and minority backgrounds are more likely to practice in medically underserved areas;
• Minority groups disproportionately live in areas with provider shortages;
• A more diverse workforce and student population increases the sense of belonging and improves the quality of occupational therapy services to underserved populations.