HLT 115: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Healthcare Professional

Course Description

This course provides students pursuing or interested in healthcare careers with a foundation in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and health literacy. Through examination of diverse populations, values, beliefs, and perspectives, students will develop strategies to provide optimal, patient-centered care. Topics include considering social, cultural, and psychological factors affecting patient care; effective communication techniques to build trust and rapport with diverse patient populations; addressing health disparities; and providing care that is inclusive and respectful of patients' race, gender, ethnic background, languages, and cultural/religious beliefs. Students will engage with case studies and realistic scenarios to practice applying DEI principles and communication strategies. The course aims to equip current and future healthcare professionals with the skills needed to reduce barriers, improve access, and deliver quality care to all patients. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Identify and define key diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and theories.
  2. Reflect on how to effectively communicate with people from different diversity dimensions including culture, social, race, gender, and religion.
  3. Examine social determinants of health and discuss impact on quality-of-life outcomes and risks through the lens of social and political structures, policies, and practices.
  4. Utilize DEI principles in real-world scenarios, demonstrating effective cross-cultural communication skills.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (25 Pts, Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 8)

12.5%

Posters (25 points, Weeks 2, 3, 6)

7.5%

Weekly Assignment (75 pts x 7 weeks)

52.5%

Check-in (x 2)

5%

Final Project

22.5%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Srivastava, R. J. The Health Care Professionals Guide to Cultural Competence (2nd ed). Elsevier, 2023. ISBN-13: 9780323790000

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1

Topic: Introduction to terms and concepts

  • Review Getting Started information
  • Review course syllabus
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Watch Videos
  • Introduce yourself in Discussion Forum
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Week 1 Assignment - Cultural Competence Self-Assessment

2

2,4

Topics: Myths and Misconceptions/ Navigating the Difference

  • Read assigned chapters
  • Watch Video
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Create and Submit Poster
  • Submit Week 2 Assignment - Operation Breaking Stereotypes
3

2,3

Topics: Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Watch Videos
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Complete Check-in Quiz
  • Submit Week 3 Assignment - Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health

4

2,3

Topic: Diversity in Religion
  • Watch Video
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Create and Submit Poster
  • Submit Week 4 Assignment - Diversity in Religion

5

2,3,4

Topics: Diverse Families and Health Literacy

  • Readings:
    • Health Literacy p. 110, 173
    • Chapter 7 (Pages 152-179)
    • Chapter 8 (Pages 180-200)
    • Chapter 11 (Pages 261-284)
  • Videos:
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Watch Videos
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Week 5 Assignment - Critiquing an Existing Health Promotion Product

6

2,3,4

Topics: Sexual and Gender Diversity
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Watch Video
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Complete Check-in Quiz
  • Submit Week 6 Assignment - Acceptance Essay

7

2,3,4

Topic: Communication 
  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5
    • Chapter 6
  • Videos:
    • Interview with Lauren Dugger
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Watch Video
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Week 7 Assignment - Cross-Cultural Communication Style Inventory

8

1,2,3,4

Topic: Putting it all Together 
  • Readings:
    • Complete Cultural Competence Self-Assessment , Page 22
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Final Project
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.