Table 5 Main quotes from the group interviews– Category A to C

Dissemination of information by leaders to the team

“The leader carries out actions. First, they are circles of conversation and action with awareness of the subject. Then, some important data were passed on to the need to implement changes in the institution. Individualized training was also carried out. That is when we started our journey, and, from then on, we were able to bring a focus group interview and other actions at this junction.”

Strategies used by leaders to bring content and raise awareness about anti-racism

“It is a dialogue to make professionals aware and establish a service process with a social perspective. All of this was specifically important to us. I managed to change my perspective about myself and the service.”

Reflections on conversations about racism and the development of race consciousness among health professionals

“Work is not just about pathology. In addition to social issues, I understand how racism in our daily lives manifests itself at work. We needed to focus on the issue and work with our team daily.”

Actions by multidisciplinary teams that create a service model focused on equity.

“Now we are discussing daily the scope of the equity project to treat these patients that we consider to be at higher risk, according to their own needs.”

Challenges to developing an equity-oriented care model include staff time and the need for experience with equity.

“It is essential to work with other teams to address equity, as no one is dedicated to this work, and each professional must work together. This work shows the importance of work equity. So we feel a small barrier in this work because there is no dedicated person. There is the question of the number of people we must bring to this equity work. We connect with other teams, professionals, psychologists, social workers, doctors, and nurses to develop a strategy.

Challenges presented by interpersonal dynamics and physicians as mediators

“The whole team is one of our challenges too, unfortunately, even the team leaders. They do not see each other, but there is a kind of racism, so we face many challenges. Awareness is critical in bringing these leaders into the conversation, and that is what we are always trying to do.”