Objective: The implementation of a good diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) strategy and initiatives enables not only the creation of a safe workspace but participates in the provision of good quality healthcare services, therefore making DEI profoundly relevant for hospitals. This internship thesis aims to present a maturity model able to assess the state of DEI in hospitals, to highlight improvement paths.
Method: The maturity model presented is based on a review of literature and insights from an audit company consultant. The review of literature highlights the relevance of DEI in healthcare, the construction methods of maturity models, and the common frameworks provided by audit and consulting agencies. Afterwards, five interviews with DEI managers from Swiss university hospitals were carried out and the findings from these interviews were analysed. This analysis enabled to anchor the findings from literature and the proposed model to real life needs from DEI managers.
Findings: The interviews highlighted that, although DEI strategies are at different stages, the needs for DEI advancement are similar among hospitals. The interviews showed three recurring themes relevant to DEI work: building DEI understanding, top-management support, and developing DEI assessment. In addition, pivotal steps for DEI advancements emerged during the discussions: the three main themes were key milestones as well as, getting resources from the institution, creating better communication on the subject, being backed by external legislation and requirements, and finding support in the social opinions and trends regarding DEI.
Discussion: The maturity model presented enables the assessment of DEI advancement in the hospital through the evaluation of four main dimensions, which are Strategy, Governance, DEI in business, and Policies and Practices. An analysis of the development process decisions helps create connections between the interviews’ findings, the literature review’s insights, and the construction of the maturity model.
Conclusion: This internship thesis contributes to linking DEI in healthcare settings and maturity model’s literature and provides a tool to assess DEI in hospitals to deliver a full picture of the state of DEI, highlighting what works regarding DEI, what could be improved, and what is missing.
