Statement paper on diversity for the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)

Intensive Care Med. 2019 Jul;45(7):1002-1005. doi: 10.1007/s00134-019-05606-0. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Abstract

Introduction: Diversity has become a key-strategic element of success in various political and economic fields. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) decided to make diversity a key strategic priority for the future and appointed a Task-Force on this topic.

Methods: In a consensus process, three Working-Groups, nominated by Task-Force members, developed statements on strategic future topics. In addition, diversity-related data available from the membership database have been analyzed and reported in aggregated form.

Results: The Task-Force decided to nominate working groups on (1) "sex, gender identity and sexual orientation", (2) "ethnicity, culture and socio-economic status", and (3) "multiprofessionalism". These are the first prioritized topics for the near future. The first diversity-report shows targetable items in all three domains.

Conclusion: The diversity Task-Force defined actionable items for a one- and three-year plan that are especially aiming at the identification of potential gaps and an implementation of concrete projects for members of the ESICM.

Keywords: Critical care; Culture; Diversity; Female; Intensive care medicine; Male; Society.

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care*
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • Sex Factors
  • Societies, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Societies, Medical / standards
  • Socioeconomic Factors