The times are changing: articulating the requisite leadership behaviours needed to embed equity, diversity and inclusivity into our healthcare systems

Abstract

The last decade has opened many eyes and awakened many hearts to prevailing societal and global inequities. Major sociopolitical events of the past decade as well as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted demographic, racial, socioeconomical, geographical and other inequities with negative impact on health and wellbeing. Healthcare leaders, in the privileged position of influence, would benefit from an enhanced capabilities framework that articulates the specific actions and behaviours needed to embed equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) into their regular activities and ultimately into the healthcare system as a whole. The LEADS in a Caring Environment Capabilities Framework has been widely adopted in Canada and is similar to other national health leadership frameworks. Enhancements through an EDI lens are highly generalisable and can be contextually adapted to improve health, well-being and social justice worldwide.