Could Lives Be Endangered by Cutting DEI?

Over the past several days, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has quietly taken down its guidance detailing Diversity Action Plans for clinical trials, which were set up to evaluate drugs, devices and other medical-specific products.

Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials

To improve the results across a wider cross section of patient groups that have been historically excluded from these trials.

Lack Of Representation Has A Financial And Social Cost

Lack of representation in trials has long had high financial and social costs. Ensuring that patients have a longer life expectancy, a disability-free life, and increased number of years in the labor force translates to an additional hundreds of billions of dollars infused into the U.S. economy over the next three decades. Conversely, poor outcomes are a tremendous drain on both the economy and the healthcare system overall. If better representation in clinical trials reduces health disparities by even a modest amount, the analysis found that achieving diverse representation in research would be worth billions of dollars in savings to the United States.

Impact on Oncology and Other Fields

For example, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women and pain is assessed differently by physicians in Black versus white patients. It is the ongoing policies within the medical industry often rooted in historically biases practices and access to resources determined by race and ethnicity that build up this disparity. The result was the FDA’s priority to address this.

Is The Time Now To Lean On Pharma Companies?

While the FDA is being directed to address diversity in clinical trials, one solution to the inclusion gap may lie in pharmaceutical companies investing in more inclusive practices in this area.

A Call to Action for Pharma Companies

In the last several years, clinical trial initiatives have become a growing focus for pharma giants. Companies such as Amgen, Merck & Co., Eli Lilly and GSK have recently begun new efforts to boost diversity in trials.

I contacted Batool Kazmi, PhD, and Sabrina Modellas of Hero Collective Health—a healthcare communication agency that helps pharmaceutical companies with inclusive clinical trials, recruitment and communications—to discuss this topic.

Conclusion

By continuing to evangelize the tangible benefits of diversity in clinical trials—such as improved recruitment efficiencies, meeting enrollment goals and launching trials more effectively—pharma can demonstrate that inclusivity isn’t just ethical; it’s also critical for operational success and advancing health equity.

FAQs

Q: Why is diversity in clinical trials important?

A: Diversity in clinical trials is important to improve the results across a wider cross section of patient groups that have been historically excluded from these trials.

Q: What is the impact of lack of representation in clinical trials?

A: Lack of representation in trials has long had high financial and social costs. It also perpetuates health disparities, denying marginalized groups access to innovative therapies and leaving them with less effective care.

Q: Can pharmaceutical companies take the lead in promoting diversity in clinical trials?

A: Yes, pharmaceutical companies have the power to step up where the FDA has stepped back. They can leverage key community partnerships to build trust and access, set and publicize measurable goals for inclusive enrollment and practices, and form industry coalitions to share best practices for achieving inclusive trial objectives.

Q: What are the benefits of inclusive clinical trials?

A: Inclusive clinical trials can lead to improved recruitment efficiencies, meeting enrollment goals and launching trials more effectively, and ultimately, achieving better health outcomes for all populations.

In today’s diverse and globalized workplace, diversity training programs have become a crucial aspect of fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. With the growing recognition of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), companies are recognizing the need to move beyond tokenism and create a truly inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

The Problem with Tokenism

Tokenism, a common approach to diversity, involves hiring and promoting a few individuals from underrepresented groups to give the appearance of diversity, without making any meaningful changes to the organization’s culture or practices. This approach can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:

Perception of Inauthenticity

When a company prioritizes tokenism over genuine inclusivity, it can lead to a perception of inauthenticity. Employees may feel that the company is not truly committed to diversity and is only paying lip service to the idea of inclusion.

Isolation and Marginalization

Token employees may feel isolated and marginalized, as they are often the only representatives of their group in a sea of predominantly homogeneous colleagues. This can lead to feelings of disconnection and disengagement from the organization.

Lack of Trust and Loyalty

Tokenism can also damage trust and loyalty within the organization. Employees may feel that the company is not committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover.

The Power of Inclusive Diversity Training

In contrast, diversity training programs that focus on inclusion can have a profound impact on employees, the organization, and the bottom line.

Increased Engagement and Retention

Inclusive diversity training can lead to increased employee engagement and retention, as employees feel valued and respected. This, in turn, can result in improved productivity, reduced turnover, and lower recruitment costs.

Improved Communication and Collaboration

Diversity training can also enhance communication and collaboration across different teams and departments, leading to better decision-making, increased creativity, and improved problem-solving.

Enhanced Reputation and Attractiveness

Inclusive organizations are more likely to attract top talent and be seen as a desirable place to work, leading to a competitive advantage in the job market.

Components of Effective Diversity Training

So, what makes an effective diversity training program? Here are some key components to consider:

Training for Managers and Employees

Effective diversity training should be comprehensive, covering both managers and employees. This includes training on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and inclusive communication.

Interactive and Experiential Learning

Interactive and experiential learning approaches, such as role-playing, case studies, and group discussions, can help to create a more immersive and engaging learning experience.

Culture Change and Accountability

To be successful, diversity training must be accompanied by a commitment to culture change and accountability. This involves setting clear goals, tracking progress, and holding individuals and teams accountable for advancing inclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving from tokenism to inclusion is a critical step in creating a positive and productive workplace culture. By recognizing the importance of diversity training and implementing effective programs, organizations can:

* Increase employee engagement and retention
* Improve communication and collaboration
* Enhance their reputation and attractiveness
* Achieve a competitive advantage in the job market

By prioritizing diversity training and inclusion, organizations can unlock the full potential of their employees, drive business success, and create a more positive and inclusive work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between diversity training and inclusion training?

A: While diversity training focuses on the characteristics of underrepresented groups, inclusion training focuses on creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Q: How do I know if my diversity training program is effective?

A: Look for metrics such as increased employee engagement, improved communication and collaboration, and improved job satisfaction. Also, conduct regular assessments and feedback sessions to ensure the program is meeting its intended goals.

Q: How do I get started with diversity training?

A: Start by assessing your organization’s current culture and needs. Identify areas for improvement and develop a comprehensive plan for implementing diversity training. Engage a professional trainer or consultant to help guide the process.

Q: What are some common myths about diversity training?

A: Some common myths include that diversity training is a one-time event, that it’s only necessary for underrepresented groups, or that it’s a replacement for genuine inclusion. The truth is that diversity training is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from all employees.

The Impact of USA Immigration

The Story of Beto Yarce

Beto Yarce arrived in the US from Mexico in 2003 with only a tourist visa, and spent his first five years in the country undocumented. Despite holding a master’s degree, he found himself taking low-paying jobs due to his documentation status. Today, Yarce is a successful business owner and community leader who has created jobs and contributed significantly to his local economy. His story exemplifies both the resilience of immigrants and the untapped potential that restrictive immigration policies leave on the table.

The Impact of Immigrants on the US Economy and Culture

Despite rhetoric claiming immigrants ‘take American jobs,’ the data tells a different story. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, immigrants are 80% more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans. This entrepreneurial spirit translates into significant economic impact: the Center for American Entrepreneurship found that in 2023, 45% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by first or second generation immigrants.

“Immigrants are the backbone of the U.S. economy, culture, and communities, making invaluable contributions across industries and states,” shared Fiona McEntee, Managing Attorney of McEntee Law Group and author of U.S. Immigration Options for Startups: Accelerate Your American Dream. “As an immigration lawyer, and an immigrant myself, I’m privileged to see these contributions firsthand every day. The U.S. has always thrived when it welcomes and harnesses the talent, resilience, and dreams of immigrants.”

The Impact of Foreign-Born Workers

Foreign-born workers made up 18.6% of the civilian labor force in 2023, up from 15.3% in 2006, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This growth has become increasingly crucial as the U.S. faces demographic challenges: without foreign-born labor, the U.S. labor pool would shrink due to lower birth rates and an aging workforce, making it harder to finance programs such as Social Security.

The Impact of Immigrants on Innovation and Technology

Priyanka Kulkarni, who spent a decade leading AI initiatives at Microsoft before founding immigration tech platform Casium, reflected on this. “As an immigrant founder, I know firsthand how life-changing the chance to build and innovate in the U.S. can be,” she shared. “When we make the immigration process more efficient and transparent, we’re not just helping individual companies or immigrants – we’re strengthening America’s ability to attract and retain the world’s best talent.

The Impact of the Current Environment on the Lives of Immigrants

Despite the positive impacts that immigrants have on the economy and culture in the US, recent policy changes are causing many of them significant harm. Schools have reported significant drops in attendance following immigration enforcement announcements, and agricultural operations across the country face labor shortages as workers stay home out of fear.

The Impact of the Current Environment on the Lives of Immigrants

“The psychological toll is immense,” said Natasha Tous, a Latina immigrant and CEO of Éclat. “Even as a U.S. citizen, I find myself questioning how far this could go. Could my husband, a Venezuelan immigrant who recently became a citizen, be at risk? Could my mother-in-law, who holds conditional residency, be forced to leave? These are not hypotheticals; they are real fears being lived in Latino households across America.”

Conclusion

The tension between America’s immigration policies and its economic needs presents a critical challenge for the nation’s future. With the Congressional Budget Office projecting an $8.9 trillion contribution to GDP from immigration over the next decade, policies that deter or remove immigrants could significantly impact America’s economic growth and innovation potential.

FAQs

Q: What is the impact of immigration on the US economy?
A: According to the Congressional Budget Office, immigration could add $8.9 trillion to US GDP over the next decade.

Q: What is the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants?
A: According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, immigrants are 80% more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans.

Q: What is the impact of foreign-born workers on the US labor force?
A: Foreign-born workers made up 18.6% of the civilian labor force in 2023, up from 15.3% in 2006, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Q: What is the impact of immigrants on innovation and technology?
A: According to Priyanka Kulkarni, founder of Casium, immigrants are not just helping individual companies or immigrants – they’re strengthening America’s ability to attract and retain the world’s best talent.