July 24 , 2008

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

Clinic staff becomes more culturally aware of growing populations

Melrose, Minn. – When patients walk into a clinic, anatomically they are similar: two lungs, one heart, and miles of blood vessels. But what about the differences that are not physical? Religion, education, language and culture can all affect the way patients experience health care and how a patient is often treated.

To learn about these differences, CentraCare Clinic - Melrose recently completed work on an initiative to bring culturally appropriate health care to Melrose. CentraCare Clinic was a participant in the Culture Matters cultural competency initiative sponsored by Stratis Health, the Quality Improvement Organization for Minnesota. This initiative addressed issues related to disparities in health care and how to better serve the diverse patients in the community.

“Minnesota’s demographics are changing and we are seeing more diverse patients in the clinic setting. By improving communications and culturally appropriate care, CentraCare Clinic staff are taking important steps to address the health needs of all patients they serve,” said Mary Beth Dahl, program manager for the Culture Matters initiative. The initiative aims to decrease disparities in care affecting underserved and minority populations through improved cross-cultural communication and understanding cultural customs and traditions.

At the beginning of the initiative, clinics completed an assessment to gauge where opportunities for improvements existed in becoming more culturally aware of all populations. Physicians, nurses, and other staff also completed an online curriculum developed by the Office of Minority Health to increase awareness and develop skills in working with the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse population groups.

“Cultural awareness training will not by itself eliminate health disparities, but it does develop necessary skills for physicians, nurses, and other staff members,” said Julia Draxten, site coordinator, CentraCare Clinic - Melrose. “Building a better understanding between patients and our clinic team brings our care to a new level, decreases the risk of misunderstandings, and allows us to deliver high quality to every patient.”

Twenty six other clinics across the state – both rural and urban – were involved in the Culture Matters initiative.

Learn more about CentraCare Clinic - Melrose

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