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    Utah Department of Health 

            Health.Utah.Gov

Inside this issue:

     (ARA) - As the demographics of America's patient population rapidly becomes more diverse, the cultural competence of our physicians is imperative to enhancing positive health care outcomes. Culturally competent care brings together a combination of attitudes, skills and knowledge that allows health care providers to better understand and take care of patients whose cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs or gender are different from their own.

 

     Recent legislation across the U.S. underscores the need for culturally competent care in all areas of medicine. New Jersey was the first state to pass a law that ties cultural competence education to medical licensure. California and New Mexico have enacted similar legislation, Illinois has legislation currently pending and other states are following.

 

     "In my own practice, I have seen firsthand the benefits of training our young surgeons to be more sensitive to and more deeply aware of, diverse backgrounds. Physicians who can put their patients at ease and connect with them authentically are more likely to find that their patients follow through with a prescribed treatment," says Ramon L. Jimenez, orthopaedic surgeon, and chairman of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Diversity Advisory Board.

 

     The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recently created a culturally competent care program to familiarize orthopaedic surgeons with specific beliefs, customs, ethnic, racial and gender-based differences, so they can better understand and meet the needs of patients with diverse backgrounds.

 

     As orthopaedic surgeons take steps to further understand cultural differences that affect their care and treatment of patients, it's important that patients get involved with their health care as well in order to get the best results. The most important thing to remember is to always speak up and ask questions. Honest communication with your doctor helps reduce any misunderstandings, creating an environment for the best care possible.

 

 Follow these patient tips from the AAOS to help ensure a successful visit to

the doctor:

 

Be Prepared

* Bring a written list of medications and supplements you currently are taking.

* Bring a document of your medical history including recent operations and treatments.

* Think about concerns and questions related to your health prior to your visit.

* Bring a family member or friend with you if you are uncomfortable or have communication barriers.

                                                                    

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HOW TO GET CULTURALLY COMPETENT IN HEALTH CARE

The connection

Newsletter

linking health agencies and community organizations that work with minorities in utah

 

October 2007   Issue # 16

CLIK HERE FOR A PDF OR PRINTABLE VERSION OF     The Connection