The Current State of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion in Pediatric Critical Care

Abstract

Literature suggests the pediatric critical care (PCC) workforce includes limited providers from groups underrepresented in medicine (URiM; African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). Additionally, women and providers URiM hold fewer leadership positions regardless of health-care discipline or specialty. Data on sexual and gender minority representation and persons with different physical abilities within the PCC workforce are incomplete or unknown. More data are needed to understand the true landscape of the PCC workforce across disciplines. Efforts to increase representation, promote mentorship/sponsorship, and cultivate inclusivity must be prioritized to foster diversity and inclusion in PCC.

Keywords: Differences in physical ability; Diversity and inclusion; Gender; LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual); Pediatric critical care workforce; Race and ethnicity; Underrepresented in medicine; Workforce diversity.