Signaling Allyship: Preliminary Outcomes of a Faculty Curriculum to Support Minoritized Learners

'We only come from one perspective': Exploring experiences of allies supporting expert by experience leadership in mental health education

INTRODUCTION

Academics from health professional backgrounds have a crucial role in supporting the implementation and sustainability of academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education. Perspectives and experiences of these academics have yet to be extensively explored. A deeper understanding will add to our understanding of this important role and provide guidance for academics with similar aspirations.

AIM

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of supporting academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory design was utilised. In-depth interviews were conducted with academics who have actively supported academic positions for experts by experience.

RESULTS

Allyship was a key theme identified. Participants described allyship as complex, time-consuming and rewarding, through three sub-themes: the tension of allyship, the impact of being an ally and interpersonal and relational issues with health professional academics.

CONCLUSIONS

Allyship was influenced by the negative attitudes of many health professional academics, who do not appreciate the value of this work.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Allyship has a crucial role in enhancing experts by experience leadership in the education of health professionals. Understanding the experience of allyship will assist in further understanding and developing these important roles.

Allyship to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology: What We Can All Do

Purpose of review

To summarize the current literature on allyship, providing a historical perspective, concept analysis, and practical steps to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. This review also provides evidence-based tools to foster allyship and identifies potential pitfalls.

Recent findings

Allies in healthcare advocate for inclusive and equitable practices that benefit patients, coworkers, and learners. Allyship requires working in solidarity with individuals from underrepresented or historically marginalized groups to promote a sense of belonging and opportunity. New technologies present possibilities and perils in paving the pathway to diversity.

Summary

Unlocking the power of allyship requires that allies confront unconscious biases, engage in self-reflection, and act as effective partners. Using an allyship toolbox, allies can foster psychological safety in personal and professional spaces while avoiding missteps. Allyship incorporates goals, metrics, and transparent data reporting to promote accountability and to sustain improvements. Implementing these allyship strategies in solidarity holds promise for increasing diversity and inclusion in the specialty.