Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Collecting Demographic Information for Health Care Workers

Information about collecting demographic data to gain valuable insights into the diversity of our health care workforce

Why are you collecting this data?

We are collecting demographic data to gain valuable insights into the diversity of our health care workforce. This information is essential for identifying inequities in health care delivery and creating targeted programs and policies that meet the needs of all individuals seeking health care services in the Commonwealth.

How will my data be used?

All collected data will only be analyzed in large numbers/ aggregate de-identified data sets. The information will be used for statistical analysis to evaluate and understand trends and help make informed decisions to improve health care quality.

How will this data be kept confidential?

The Department of Public Health takes the confidentiality of all your data seriously. Your data will be stored on secure servers and only authorized internal personnel will be allowed to access individual level data. Access to the individual demographic data will be limited to a smaller, more specific group tasked with health care system quality improvement objectives.

Why is a diverse workforce important for health care?

The evidence strongly indicates that a health care workforce that is more representative of the communities they serve improves delivery of high-quality health care and promotes equity in the health care system^1,2. This diversity fosters a more inclusive and understanding environment, leading to better patient outcomes.

Will reporting my demographic data affect my licensure or certification status?

No, reporting your demographic data, or opting not to do so, will not affect your license or certification in any way. The data is collected solely for the purpose of research and improving health care services. There will be no repercussions for opting not to submit your demographic information.

Who can I contact for more information about demographic data collection?

For questions related to demographic data collection, please contact [e-mail] and direct your question to the Division of Quality Improvement.

For certification questions related to EMT certification at any level (EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT or EMT-Paramedic), please contact [e-mail]

References

1. Marcelin, J. R., Siraj, D. S., Victor, R., Kotadia, S., & Maldonado, Y. A. (2019). The Impact of Unconscious Bias in healthcare: How to Recognize and Mitigate It. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 220(2), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiz214
2. Stanford, F. C. (2020). The importance of diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce. Journal of the National Medical Association, 112(3), 247–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnma.2020.03.014