Diversity, equity and inclusion statement

The editors and authors have chosen this open access platform to help democratise knowledge, and enhance accessibility of this text – irrespective of financial constraints. This textbook is freely available to all interested in using it. Furthermore, the copyright of this book allows those in cultures and contexts different from the authors to adapt the content to fit their local needs. Instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ text, this textbook can support the local context in a way traditional textbooks do not.

We have also attempted to represent a range of gender identities and cultural experiences throughout this text. The authors recognise the spectrum upon which the human form and condition is represented across cultures and societies, and within healthcare systems. However, while we have taken great care in this process, we also recognise our own limitations in being able to understand and convey each individual’s lived experiences, and also recognise the limitations of the language within which this text is written (English). We hope that, given the open access nature of this text, we are able to adapt and change the text to ensure a truly inclusive work over time.