As you can see by looking at this issue, this is a very special issue of Orthopaedic Nursing. In April 2021, the editorial board met virtually for our annual board meeting. At our annual board meeting, it is customary to plan for the next volume year and make a commitment to provide to our readers essential information on important issues facing our specialty. We brainstorm and spend time reflecting on the current state of what is going on in orthopaedics and healthcare in general. At that time, one thing we discussed was the issue of disparities in orthopaedic care.
The editorial board decided, at that time, that we should develop an issue on disparities in orthopaedics and identify ways that would start a discussion on health equity and inclusion that would help drive improved outcomes for orthopaedic patients. We recognized that this topic might be uncomfortable for some, but we recognized that improving outcomes for populations requires an examination of health inequity and the different factors contributing to disparities.
In the ensuing months, we gathered information and identified authors who would be able to delve into the literature and be able to present information that would help us begin the conversation on how we, as orthopaedic nurses, could be the catalyst for change.
Our goal for this issue was to develop an understanding of the concepts of social determinants of health (SDoH), implicit and explicit bias, psychological safety for patients and healthcare professionals, marginalized groups, racism, and how orthopaedic nurses can drive change in creating health equity in orthopaedics. During this process, the editorial board members themselves uncovered some individual lack of knowledge and understanding that has led to personal growth and a desire to move the discussion of health equity forward in the varied settings where we live and work. The process of enlightenment was working within our own sphere and it was time to disseminate what we have learned, which culminated in this issue of Orthopaedic Nursing. After doing this work, it is clear that there are disparities in orthopaedics that orthopaedic nurses can play a role in rectifying.
We will continue the conversation at the NAON Annual Congress in Reno, NV, on May 23rd at the general session, Disparities, Equity and Inclusion in Orthopaedics: What We Know and What We Need to Do. You will be able to learn about what NAON is doing to move forward with the need to move health equity and improved outcomes forward.
My special thanks to members of the editorial board of Orthopaedic Nursing who took on this very important issue. It has been a journey for all of us, and we ask that you join us as we discern next steps.