DEI Resource Designed to Guide CE Program Development
Under the lead of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies (IDEAS) Committee, the BOC developed a toolkit of DEI Resources for BOC Approved Providers. This set of information and resources was designed to equip those creating continuing education (CE) content with effective strategies for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within their programs and ultimately within patient care. This multi-faceted resource offers a dynamic list of practical tools for not only educating Athletic Trainers (ATs) and health care providers on DEI matters but also for approaching all education with universal design and cultural competence. The full kit is housed on the BOC website.
The resource consists of four components to guide CE content development:
BOC Approved Providers Style Guide
The BOC Approved Provider Style Guide provides DEI-aligned language conventions for creating continuing education content that fosters an inclusive and equitable learning environment. By acknowledging and respecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of all learners, as well as the patients they serve, providers enhance learning outcomes.
Person First language is a respectful communication approach that emphasizes the individual before their condition or disability, by placing the person first in descriptions. It describes what the person “has” rather than what the person “is.” Person First language avoids using labels or adjectives to define someone, e.g., a person with diabetes not a diabetic; or a person with cancer, not cancer patient.
In health sciences education, it’s important to portray patients and individuals in a positive and humanistic light, especially those with genetic differences and disabilities. Employing different image resources can allow for the shift in patient representation that showcases the beauty and diversity of the human experience through imagery and narratives. Such an approach challenges societal stigmas but also fosters empathy, understanding and respect within health care education and patient care. Elevating these portrayals and seeking to portray patients with positivity promotes a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for the unique qualities of everyone.
The concept of “patient voice” involves incorporating patient perspectives and experiences into approved provider programming through patient(s) serving as a co-presenter(s). This approach highlights diverse patient populations, including minorities and individuals with disabilities. By using patient narratives, providers can enhance health care professionals’ understanding, empathy, and cultural competence, while eliminating stereotypes and biases. Patient voice grounds educational content to real-world patient experiences, reinforcing evidence-based practices (which include the patient’s values and perspectives) to inform and improve clinical practice.
