Fostering Belonging through Accessible Healthcare Practices

A CONVERSATION WITH HEALTHSTREAM AND WAGGONER DIAGNOSTICS

A key component of creating an inclusive workplace is making accessibility a priority. Accessibility means making sure that employees of all abilities can fully engage with every aspect of your facility.  

Although it’s essential to adhere to legal requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility in the workplace goes beyond that. It’s about creating a workplace where employees feel supported.

During the latest episode of A Conversation with HealthStream, TJ Waggoner, CEO and co-founder of Waggoner Diagnostics, discussed the importance of fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace within the healthcare sector.

“I think we would all agree that in healthcare the most important thing is patient outcomes,” Waggoner said. “To truly provide the best patient care possible, we should be testing every single individual that is a frontline worker [for color vision deficiency].”

He continued, “We believe that an inclusive [work] environment will test these individuals, let them know what they can and cannot do and then hopefully provide coping mechanisms for them, creating a safer environment for patients as well as the employees themselves.”

Here are 4 key takeaways from HealthStream and Waggoner’s discussion:

1. Health and Well-Being of Employees Translate to Better Patient Outcomes

When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be dedicated and invested in their roles. This leads to higher engagement in the workplace, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. In fact, Gallup research found that higher nurse engagement is statistically related to lower patient complication and mortality indexes and 41% fewer patient safety incidents.

Engaged staff also create a more positive and welcoming environment for patients, and that leads to higher patient satisfaction scores. Data from Press Ganey revealed that organizations in the top 25% of engagement performers score, on average, 38 percentile points higher on “Likelihood to Recommend” for care in the inpatient setting than organizations in the bottom 25% of engagement performance.

2. Understanding Workforce Needs

To establish an inclusive workplace, organizations must proactively identify and meet individual employee needs. For instance, integrating tools like color vision testing can address challenges faced by employees with color vision deficiencies. These measures not only empower employees but also enhance patient care.

“Being inclusive and accommodating is the ‘human’ and ethical thing to do, but research shows that it also benefits the workplace,” as stated in an article by Mass General Brigham.

3. Prioritizing Accessibility

Inclusive practices like labeling items beyond color codes, utilizing accessible testing, and providing coping mechanisms help to level the playing field for all workers. Simple actions, such as seeking second opinions when making patient care decisions, can improve confidence and communication while delivering better results.

4. Equity Is the Foundation of Inclusion

By acknowledging and addressing limitations faced by employees, healthcare organizations can uphold ADA protections while fostering a culture of belonging. This not only creates a legal and ethical workplace but also aligns with best practices in patient-centered care.

Why It Matters

Inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare are essential. By taking intentional steps to educate and implement equitable solutions, organizations improve work environments and patient results, all while building a culture of trust and awareness.

Waggoner emphasized that inclusivity isn’t just about compliance or qualifications. It’s about recognizing the potential of every team member and giving them the tools to succeed. By integrating solutions into onboarding and annual training processes, organizations can address challenges upfront and continue fostering a safe and inclusive workplace.

For more information about embedding equitable solutions into your workplace, explore tools offered by HealthStream. Share these insights with your team to spark important conversations and drive impactful changes.