Measuring DEI Awareness, Empowerment, and Action Orientation: Validation of the Health Professions Educators Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scale (HPE DEI)

Abstract

Educating students in health occupations about the need to consider DEI in their practice can lead to improved health care outcomes for all populations. Measuring health professions educators’ awareness, empowerment, and action orientation toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is one step toward addressing disparities in health care. In this article, thedevelopment and examination of the psychometric properties of the Health Professions Educators Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scale (HPE DEI) are described. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on data collected from health professions educators at seven higher education institutions in the United States. Factor analysis resulted in a three-factor structure measuring awareness, empowerment, and action orientation of health professions educators as they address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching. The resulting scale provides a nuanced way to explore the competencies necessary for effectively considering diversity, equity, and inclusion in health professions education. The HPE DEI is adaptable for educators across degree levels and academic disciplines.