Some thoughts on our social responsibilities

Abstract

In this editorial, I wish to address two social issues and how they relate to this journal and its readers. The first is diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI. To some DEI is a term used too frequently, lacks meaning or action and is merely a buzz word that corporations and government bodies used to promote themselves. This perception is perpetuated with the publication of generic umbrella statements without meaningful explanations, without strategies to achieve DEI or metrics to measure success. However, there is evidence that when DEI policies are implemented in healthcare organisations, then the financial performance of the organisation and the quality of healthcare are improved. Conversely, inaction on DEI can negatively impact quality and health outcomes, especially for minority groups. According to the University of Michigan, diversity can be described as variety, equity is fairness and impartiality, and inclusion is involvement within a group or structure. Their Chief Diversity Officer provided a great analogy comparing DEI to a ‘party’: Diversity is where everyone gets an invite to the party, inclusion is where everyone can contribute to the playlist, and equity is where everyone gets the opportunity to dance. Recently, Wiley, our publishing partner published a Research DE&I Statement, and Sonography also published its own DEI statement.