Code of Conduct

​​​​​​​​​​​​​The IHI Forum isn’t just a place to learn about the latest and greatest in how your peers from across the world have surpassed their challenges: it’s also a place where you can reflect on how your work affects the world, and how the world affects your work.

The IHI Forum is a place for thought-provoking ideas and conversations, and ​these cannot happen unless everyone feels safe and respected. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement is committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all IHI Forum participants, and this Code of Conduct is here to provide a clear set of guidelines for all who will join us in Orlando this year.​​​​​

Code of Conduct for Participants​

1. Purpose
  • a. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement believes the IHI Forum should be open for everyone and is committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, gender identity and expression, citizenship, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, national origin, marital status, political beliefs, or Veteran status. 
  • b. The physical, emotional, and psychological safety of everyone involved with the IHI Forum is of paramount importance to us. IHI has developed a Code of Conduct outlining our expectations for all participants, including presenters, vendors, exhibitors, attendees and guests, faculty, and IHI staff, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
  • c. Before the IHI Forum, we are asking all parties to review to the Code of Conduct. We appreciate you joining us in support of our mission to improve health and health care worldwide through our values of equity, courage, love, and trust.​
  • d. By attending the IHI Forum you are agreeing to adhere to this Code of Conduct.
2. Expectations for Behavior
  • a. We ask all participants to abide by our values of equity, courage, love, and trust
    • i. Equity: We work to prevent and undo unfair systems, policies, and forms of racism and discrimination that drive gaps in our organization and in our work. We tell the truth about inequities and value all voices. We believe that we are interconnected and that inequities lead us all to lose. We want everyone to thrive and none of us can truly thrive until we all do.
    • ii. Courage: We stay true to our values, even in the face of risk or loss. We speak up. We do this all in the service of personal and organizational integrity.
    • iii. Love: We build relationships grounded in patience, kindness, gratitude, and respect. In our teams and in our work, we bring our whole selves in an authentic and caring spirit and encourage others to do the same.
    • ​iv. Trust: We recognize the unique experience that each of us brings and believe in each other’s strengths. We ensure that people feel empowered and supported. We engage in genuine dialogue and encourage feedback with one another and our customers.​
  • b.  Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative
  • c.  Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech​
  • d. Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Alert a Blue Shirt or an IHI Forum organizer if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress

3. Unacceptable Behavior

  • a. Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct by anyone participating in the IHI Forum.
  • b. Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public space; deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of sessions, presentations, or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

4. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

  • a. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated whether by presenters, vendors, exhibitors, media, attendees, guests, faculty, or IHI staff.
  • b. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately
  • c. If someone engages in unacceptable behavior, IHI and the Forum organizers reserve the right to take steps to resolve the situation, up to and including expulsion from the IHI Forum, removal from the Marriott World Center and Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center grounds and being banned from future IHI events.

5. What to Do If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

  • a. If you are subject to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subject to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a Blue Shirt or an IHI Forum organizer as soon as possible. 
  • b. Alternative Contact Points: If you would prefer other ways to contact us, an email to hrteam@ihi.org​ will be reviewed by a member of the IHI Human Resources team. You are welcome to report an incident anonymously; however, if you would like someone to follow-up with you about the progress of your incident report, you would need to provide contact information.
  • c. Confidentiality and Follow-Up: Our team will do our best to work with you to co-design next steps whenever possible, including, but not limited to ensuring as much confidentiality as feasible.
  • d. As needed, the IHI Forum organizers or a representative of IHI will be available to help participants contact building security or local law enforcement, to provide escorts, or to otherwise to the best of our ability help those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel physically and psychologically safe for the duration of the Forum.