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Medically Underserved Ethnic Minority Groups

Chronic disease, cancer, and infectious disease disproportionately affect African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. These populations, collectively identified as the underserved, also face challenges in health care delivery caused by miscommunication between doctors and patients, cultural preferences and experiences of patients, and health system failures. –

"We are excited about the work QIOs are undertaking with doctors to strengthen cultural and linguistic competence as a means to reduce
health care disparities."
Quote from National Support Letter for the endorsement of the cultural competency cirriculum for primary care physicians.

HealthInsight recognizes the challenges faced by physician practices implementing successful strategies to eliminate healthcare disparity in ethnic minority groups. There are also many challenges faced by all underserved groups in the healthcare system.

On-line Training (CME/CEU)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health developed an on-line training program that can be completed at home or the office anytime.  This program offers free Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit as well as nursing Continuing Education Units (CEU) and certification.  Select the appropriate portal to the right on the home page (Nurses or Physicians & Physician Assistants) to register and complete the training.

Culturally and Linguistically Accessible Services (CLAS) Standards for healthcare.

Assessing and Improving Access

OMH website www.thinkculturalhealth.org
An explanation of where to find information / tools to assess and improve access to healthcare for patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients can be found by selecting the Language Services Guide portal and for minorities (culture issues).