Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Toolkit

Background

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) should be considered throughout the research process. You may see this work referred to by different acronyms in other contexts (i.e. “equity, diversity and inclusion [EDI]”, or “diversity, equity, and inclusion [DEI]”) or including additional considerations. We have added the consideration of “accessibility”. Other considerations include: “Indigenization”, “anti-racism”, “belonging”, etc.

Reflecting on IDEA in your project design can improve the validity of the data you collect and your potential project impacts. One person cannot represent or know about all of the relevant perspectives. Diversifying your team, reflecting on ways to be more inclusive and equitable, and making your project processes and outputs accessible improves project quality.

As a researcher/evaluator or research/evaluation partner, consider how an IDEA lens may be applied to your work. It is best to consider these points at the start of the research/evaluation process when the question, methodology and funding application are being developed. However, they are helpful at all stages, especially if new team members join.

For help using this toolkit or to discuss applying Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility to your patient-oriented project plans, please contact us.