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Americans can take some pride in the fact that attaining what the medical profession calls "cultural competency" is a goal of most health care institutions. However, achieving this goal in today's health care environment, filled with diverse patient and provider populations, is no easy task. In addition to the complications imposed by the proliferation of managed health care, American hospitals are increasingly being staffed by and serving diverse populations. This creates the ideal breeding ground for conflict and misunderstanding, which can result in tension among the staff and inferior patient care.
Attention to racial and ethnic differences in health status and access to care has increased markedly during the past decade. On many measures of health status and access to care, it has been documented that communities of color fare worse than whites. The concerns facing women of color are further complicated by the diff erential access and use patterns evident between men and women.
Read the new Kaiser Health Disparities report that synthesizes news coverage related to health and health care issues that affect racial and ethnic communities. It also highlights new studies and journal articles, initiatives, developments in the field and upcoming events.
There is increased interest in research that aims to improve the health of disadvantaged (minority, low-income, rural, central city, and other) populations. However, conventional research in these communities has a contentious history and offers limited opportunities to improve the health and well being of these communities.
Today's momentous Supreme Court decision will not only affect higher education, it will help ensure better health care for all Americans, now and in the future. By upholding affirmative action, the Court will permit the nation's medical schools to continue developing a physician workforce that truly mirrors our society.
White people in the United States are getting better, more aggressive health care than minorities, according to an Institute of Medicine report requested by Congress. After researching numerous studies, the institute concludes the racial and ethnic disparity exists regardless of income or insurance coverage. The study found that even when insured at the same level as whites, minorities are less likely to have a "consistent" relationship with their primary care providers -- a factor that leads to poorer care.
It's time to learn how to better communicate and interact with patients, especially with those from diverse cultural backgrounds. One of the best ways to do this is to practice culturally competent care. When we encounter patients who are of a different "world," with different beliefs, attitudes, and fears than our own, we must be able to make them feel comfortable in coming to and interacting with us. By responding with the key ingredients of sensitivity, compassion, and awareness, we can begin to practice culturally competent care.
Health care disparities are a serious concern in the United States. Thirteen groups have been recognized as being at risk for experiencing health care disparities: women; elderly persons; African Americans; Asian Americans; Latinos; Native Americans; immigrants; persons with disabilities; poor persons; prisoners; persons of some religious faiths; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgenderpersons; and obese persons.
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