Developing a Novel Integrative Health Equity and Anti-racism Tool (IHEART) for Pilot Application in a Multicenter Integrative Health Elective for Medical Students and Resident Physicians: A Study Protocol.

Abstract

Background: This study protocol introduces the Integrative Health Equity and Anti-Racism Tool (IHEART), an innovative instrument designed to infuse equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into Integrative Health (IH) education. Recognizing the gaps in current IH training that fail to address social and systemic inequities adequately, the IHEART is intended to respond to the growing need for inclusivity in IH practices and educational materials. The tool is mainly focused on addressing issues such as accessibility of complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies, cultural misappropriation, anti-racism, gender diversity, disability justice, trauma-informed care, weight inclusivity, and planetary health, which are currently inconsistently covered in IH training.

Methods/design: Developed by a team seeking to embed EDI more consistently in IH education, the IHEART provides reflection questions tailored to the unique philosophy and topics of IH. These questions are intended for use by IH educators in creating and delivering educational content, including handouts, slides, textbooks, and curricula. This tool differentiates itself from existing health equity tools used in general medical education by catering to the nuanced needs of IH training. The article outlines the iterative development process of the IHEART and plans for future pilot implementation and revision.

Discussion: By introducing this tool, the study protocol aims to enhance the inclusivity and relevance of IH education, aligning it more closely with contemporary social justice imperatives. The IHEART is positioned as a crucial step towards transforming IH education and practice, making it more accessible and equitable for diverse communities and ensuring that IH continues to evolve as a holistic and inclusive field.