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January 2025 - Understanding Cultural Diversity in Team-based Healthcare

Develop cultural awareness and understand the impact this has on patient care. This webinar outlines the skills healthcare teams need to facilitate effective communication and interactions across multiple cultures.

Session Summary

Session Hosts: 

  • Tim Neufeld, AACM Executive Committee

Guest Presenters:

  • Dr. Usha Maharaj MD LMCC CCFP
  • Cheryl San Juan, AMA-ACTT

Recommended Resources

Post-Session Resources Shared by Peers:

 

Session Highlights & Themes

Session Objectives: 
At the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Understand key concepts related to cultural diversity in healthcare settings
  • Develop awareness of the LEARN model and practice the skills needed to facilitate effective communication and interactions across multiple cultures

Key Concepts:

  • Culture - Refers to the ideas, customs, and behaviors of individuals within a group, including both visible (food, language) and invisible (values, beliefs) aspects. Every patient possesses a distinct worldview, influenced by their culture.
  • Diversity - Encompasses a wide array of differences among people, including race, ethnicity, ability, literacy, and more.


Learn Model

The LEARN model is a cultural competency tool that provides guidelines in clinical practice for attending to issues in cross-cultural communication with patients.

  • Listen with cultural sensitivity and be aware of your patient’s cultural perspective
  • Explain your perspective on the health issue
  • Acknowledge difference/similarities with your patient
  • Recommend treatment respectfully and sensitively
  • Negotiate an agreement with your patient and his/her family or caregiver

Key Takeaways

  • Cultural Values and Beliefs: Influence the way individuals seek and access care.
  • Humility and Curiosity: Are essential for effective intercultural communication.
  • Translation and Language Barriers: Addressing these is critical for effective patient care.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Incorporating patients' cultural perspectives leads to better health outcomes and satisfaction.

Practical Tips for Clinic Managers

  • Clinic Culture: Reflect on the culture within the clinic and its impact on patient interactions.
  • Team Discussions: Incorporate discussions about cultural perspectives into team huddles or patient reviews.
  • Effort Over Perfection: Focus on the effort and grace in interactions rather than striving for perfection.
  • Patient Education: Ensure patients understand the healthcare system and treatment plans, especially those new to the country.
  • Holistic Approaches: Be open to incorporating patients' holistic or traditional health practices into care plans.
  • Human Interaction: Focus on the importance of human skills and patient-centered approaches.