That research sometimes does not go well is evident from the closing presentation by keynote speaker and health scientist Charifa Zemouri. “We are so concerned with inclusion, inclusive care and inclusive science. Yet it remains an unpleasant point. Why is that so and what prevents inclusion? That has everything to do with institutional racism.”
Origin as a (problem) factor
Everyone deserves the same access to good care and the right outcomes. But Zemouri’s research shows that much scientific research and its results are attributed to a person’s origin. “But why is that always a factor? In fact, a problem factor? You cannot change your origins, but we often take it into account.” For example, in the Netherlands alone there are already more than 400 studies that test origins. “This is how you get misunderstandings through associations with strong consequences.”
Using various examples, Zemouri shows the public research that is not inclusive or paints wrong images. They all cause prejudice, radicalization, discrimination and stigmatization. “Therefore, always emphasize that you do not approach your patients or target group based on origin, but on clinical image. Otherwise you are encouraging institutional racism.”
Striving for improvement
Why is it that we all know about these things, but nothing is done about them? Not only in the Netherlands, but in the whole world? According to Zemouri, this has everything to do with the facts and what we believe. “Facts that do not fit with what you think are forgotten. This does not happen intentionally, but we can learn a lesson from this.”
“That is why we must build on each other’s knowledge,” the health scientist continues. “We must strive to address historical images of people, biology and science to advance knowledge, research and education. By recognizing that and how it impacts your work, you can promote inclusion. But If you use incorrect data and assumptions, we will be faced with even more exclusion.” [Noëlle van den Berg]
