Providing Medical Care to Diverse Populations

Abstract

It is not yet evident how strong of an influence diversity holds on clinical decision-making or quality of care. What remains unclear is the manner in which disparate patient characteristics function. The associated cognitive procedures are complex. Affordable care, access to care, and compliance with recommended treatment are examples of factors that influence health outcomes, but fail to provide a definitive explanation for variations that deviate from the norm. Explanations for these differences are lacking. The capacity for race and ethnicity to influence treatment and resource allocations, for example, is a decision process open to interpretation. This is problematic because the ability to evaluate a clinical decision requires understanding the many interrelated elements that contribute to judgment. In the end, there exists the need to evaluate clinical choices and to understand the extent to which patient attributes have the power to influence those determinations. This chapter will tackle the challenge of what it means to provide culturally sensitive healthcare to arguably the most diverse population on the planet. Although the information provided is focused on the healthcare environment, the concepts discussed are relevant to educators, diversity trainers, and professionals from other social sciences.

If we are to achieve a richer culture, richer in contrasting values, we must recognize the full gamut of human potentialities. (Margaret Mead)