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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie

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21-06-2023 | Continuing Professional Development

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in anesthesiology: a primer

Authors: Miriam Mottiar, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, Drew Burchell, BSc, MA, Hilary MacCormick, MD, FRCPC

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 6/2023

Abstract

Purpose

This continuing professional development module aims to elucidate the current demographics of anesthesiology in Canada and the experience of anesthesiologists from equity-seeking groups. This module will also identify and describe factors impacting the health care experience of patients from equity-seeking groups who receive perioperative, pain, and obstetric care.

Principal findings

In recent years, discrimination based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, other demographic factors, and the intersection of these identities have gained greater attention not only in our society at large but also within medicine and anesthesiology. The stark consequences of this discrimination for both anesthesiologists and patients from equity-seeking groups have become clearer in recent years, although the full scope of the problem is not fully understood. Data regarding the demographics of the national anesthesia workforce are lacking. Literature describing patient perspectives of various equity-seeking groups is also sparse, although increasing. Health disparities impacting people who are racialized, women, LGBTQIA+, and/or living with disability are also present in the perioperative context.

Conclusion

Discrimination and inequity persist in the Canadian health care system. It is incumbent upon us to actively work against these inequities every day to create a kinder and more just health care system in Canada.

Available only for authorised users

For consistency, we have chosen to use the term “equity-seeking groups” in this module. There are a variety of terms that may be used in place of “equity-seeking groups” (e.g., marginalized, minoritized, etc.). There is no single correct phrase that will be accepted by everyone.

Note that this module uses the name Canada to denote the northern part of Turtle Island, a name used by many Indigenous peoples to describe North America.

Par souci de cohérence, nous avons choisi d’utiliser le terme « groupes en quête d’équité » dans ce module. Il existe plusieurs termes qui peuvent être utilisés à la place de « groupes en quête d’équité » (p. ex., marginalisés, minorisés, etc.). Il n’existe pas d’expression correcte unique qui sera acceptée par toutes et tous.

Il est à noter que ce module utilise le nom Canada pour désigner la partie nord de l’Île de la Tortue, un nom utilisé par de nombreux peuples autochtones pour décrire l’Amérique du Nord.

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Title: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in anesthesiology: a primer
Authors: Miriam Mottiar, MD, MHSc, FRCPC
Drew Burchell, BSc, MA
Hilary MacCormick, MD, FRCPC
Publication date: 21-06-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 6/2023
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-023-02504-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in anesthesiology: a primer

Abstract

Purpose

Principal findings

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Principal findings

Conclusion

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Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric anesthesia: a scoping review

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in anesthesiology and critical care: a time for reflection, acknowledgement, and change

Misconceptions about women in leadership in academic medicine