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The Hispanic/Latino population is significant and growing in the United States. It now represents 12 percent or 34 million people—it is the largest minority and in a few decades, 25 percent of the US population will be Latino. Presently, only 2.4% of orthopaedists are Latino. Consequently, the non-Latino orthopaedist has to be prepared to effectively evaluate and treat the Latino patients he or she will increasingly encounter. Culturally competent care is defined as a complex integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow health care providers to understand and take care of people who are from cultures that are not their own. In this document you will find several patient encounter tips to help you improve your communication with Latino patients. Compassion and communication are essential ingredients for success.
Patients who get involved with their health care get better results. When you speak up, ask questions, and communicate honestly and directly with your doctor, the risk of errors and misunderstanding goes down. Remember, as the patient, you are the most important person in the room! The following tips will help ensure a successful visit with your doctor.
The AAOS believes that quality healthcare starts with a strong patient/physician relationship. That is why we and our members are strong advocates of Patient-Centered Care. Patient-Centered Care brings the "voice of the patient" to the center of the health care system. It is responsive to the individual patient's preferences, needs and values. It ensures that the patient's voice—your voice—guides all clinical decisions and that you know, in advance, what all the treatment options are to better enable you to make an informed choice on how to proceed. Better health care happens when patients and physicians are on the same page. It's all about communicating. It's all about getting better together.
Patient-centered care brings the "voice of the patient" to the center of the health care system. It is responsive to the individual patient's preferences, needs and values. It ensures that the patient's voice—your voice—guides all clinical decisions.
Additional Resources from AAOS Official Statements to US Department of Health & Human Services
Additional web resources on alternative medicine.
Ensuring patient safety is a national priority, and everyone involved in the health care system has a role, including the patient. Patients can help make their health care experience safer by becoming active, involved and informed members of the health care team. Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes. The more information patients have about health care, the better they can make decisions about what is best for them.
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