Examining the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in mitigating workforce burnout in laboratory medicine
Author:
Mulder Lotte1, Garcia Edna2, Sirintrapun S Joseph3ORCID, Kundu Iman2, Soles Ryan4
Affiliation:
1. Department of Organizational Development and Leadership, American Society for Clinical Pathology , Chicago, IL , US 2. Institute of Science, Technology and Policy, American Society for Clinical Pathology , Washington, DC , US 3. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY , US 4. Department of Learning and Educational Research, American Society for Clinical Pathology , Chicago, IL , US
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The clinical laboratory workforce plays a crucial role in health care delivery, yet little is known about the unique pressures and challenges this workforce faces. The objective of this study was to identify factors that contribute to burnout, discrimination, exclusion, and inequity in pathology and laboratory medicine.
Methods
A nationwide survey was conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, 2391 laboratory professionals were surveyed over a 1-week period about their experiences with burnout, discrimination, and work-related stress. In phase 2, the survey was extended to 1 month and questions were added to elicit more detailed information about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as wellness.
Results
Results showed a high prevalence of burnout, discrimination, and stress among laboratory professionals, with significant differences among certain demographic groups. Women, Black, indigenous, or people of color individuals and those with disabilities reported higher rates of discrimination. The study also showed a need for mentorship and resources to address educational barriers.
Conclusions
Findings from this study highlight the urgent need for interventions to address burnout, discrimination, exclusion, and inequity in the laboratory workforce. Initiatives to increase workforce diversity, promote mentorship and diversity training programs, and improve recognition of the laboratory workforce are recommended. The results underscore the pressing need to addressing the challenges and apprehensions laboratory professionals face, including enhancing recognition of their role in patient care, tackling systemic problems related to discrimination and equity, and enhancing the provision of support and resources for managing burnout and fostering well-being.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Reference11 articles.
1. Research: people want their employers to talk about mental health;Greenwood,2019 2. Leveraging diversity, equity and inclusion for promoting wellness in the radiology workplace;Ayyala,2022 3. The American Society for Clinical Pathology’s job satisfaction, well-being, and burnout survey of laboratory professionals;Garcia,2020 4. The American Society for Clinical Pathology’s job satisfaction, well-being, and burnout survey of pathologists;Garcia,2020 5. Cultural Applicability of Leadership Training in the Field of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Dissertation. Chicago School of Psychology;;Mulder,2020
|
|