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An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion glossary for...
Journal article

An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion glossary for sociodemographic determinants of health within critical care medicine

Abstract

PurposeEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives within critical care research are limited by a lack of resources and inconsistent and rapidly changing language. The Canadian Critical Care Trials Group (CCCTG) is committed to modelling EDI for the critical care community through its programming, communications, protocols, and policies. The objective of developing the EDI glossary of sociodemographic determinants of health described here was to provide a resource for critical care professionals to support broader equity initiatives and to promote education and awareness about inclusive language.MethodsThrough literature review, we identified EDI-related sociodemographic determinants of health, defined as sociodemographic factors that are associated with disparities in health care and health outcomes, with a focus on critical care medicine. For each sociodemographic determinant of health, we identified umbrella terms (defined as domains) and subterms/constructs that are related to these domains. We designed the glossary collaboratively with the CCCTG EDI working group, patient and family partnerships committee, and executive committee, which included diverse knowledge users such as researchers, clinicians, and patient and family partners.ResultsWe report on 12 sociodemographic determinants of health domains including age, sex, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity, income, education, employment status, marital status, language, disability, and migration status. Each domain (e.g., sex) contains relevant subterms such as male, female, intersex. For each domain, we provide examples of disparities in health care and health outcomes with a focus on critical care medicine.ConclusionsThis EDI glossary of sociodemographic determinants of health serves as a nonexhaustive resource that may be referenced by critical care researchers, research coordinators, clinicians, and patient and family partners. The glossary is an essential step to raising awareness about inclusive terminology and to fostering and advancing equity in critical care medicine.

Authors

Heirali A; Mehta S; Li Y; Rochwerg B; Maratta C; Charbonney E; Burns KEA; O’Hearn K; Menon K; Fowler R

Journal

Journal canadien d'anesthésie, Vol. 71, No. 9, pp. 1209–1218

Publisher

Springer Nature

Publication Date

September 1, 2024

DOI

10.1007/s12630-024-02824-z

ISSN

0832-610X

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