One Size Does Not Fit All: Meeting the Health Care Needs of Diverse Populations

Proposes a framework for meeting patients' cultural and linguistic needs: policies and procedures that support cultural competence, data collection, population-tailored services, and internal and external collaborations. Includes a self-assessment tool

Hospitals, Language and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation: Exploring Cultural and Linguistic Services in the Nation's Hospitals

Analyzes sixty hospitals across the country in their efforts to offer culturally competent care. Offers recommendations for hospitals and policymakers and shares best practices for health care for diverse populations

Taking Collective Action to Improve Patient-Provider Communication

Abstract There are many reasons for speech-language pathologists (SLPs), especially those who work in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), to take an active role in improving patient-provider communication. Effective patient-provider communication is fundamental to patient-centered care and correlates strongly with better patient outcomes, as well as increased patient safety and patient satisfaction. It is not only good practice, but good economics. In this article, we introduce existing laws, standards, regulations, and guidelines that address issues related to patient-provider communication in hospitals and other medical settings and discuss how, armed with this information and supportive data, SLPs (especially those with expertise in the area of AAC), can become active in preparing their clients for future medical encounters. We also highlight a need to work collaboratively with other professionals who support communication, such as language interpreters and nurses. Finally, we advocate for SLPs raising awareness about available services, tools, and strategies that support effective communication between patients and providers during medical encounters.</jats:p

Culturally & linguistically appropriate health care: understanding laws & policies that impact health care providers [online video]

From the conference brochure: Participants will become acquainted with federal and national initiatives about the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights and Office of Minority Health, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Participants will gain a better understanding of the history, background, and research behind existing requirements and standards, plus learn what is expected in the near future

Converging Communication Vulnerabilities in Health Care: An Emerging Role for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

The needs to improve health care outcomes and reduce health care costs in the United States are important national health policy goals. Research suggests that improving patient-provider communication is a critical step toward those goals. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists are uniquely educated and clinically prepared to lead in this effort. This article advocates for becoming involved in implementing new standards and regulations that address the need for “effective communication, cultural competence and patient- and family-centered care.” Using three case examples, the article highlights the convergence of communication challenges faced by 4 groups with communication vulnerabilities: those with speech, language, hearing, vision and cognitive impairments; limited English proficiency; little knowledge about healthcare (poor health literacy); and/or cultural, sexual identity, or religious differences. Authors discuss the need for SLPs and audiologists to advocate for the use of key assistive technologies and strategies that help individuals who are communication-vulnerable interact more effectively with their health care providers. They also call for active and systematic collaborations among professions representing groups currently at high risk for health disparities. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”</jats:p