Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Anisa N. Goforth
Faculty Mentor’s Department
School Psychology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Abstract
Culturally competent health services for physician assistants (PA), are critical for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities given the common disparities in healthcare. In addressing the multifaceted nature of disparities, the purpose of this literature review is to examine the role and responsibilities of PAs to be culturally competent. Culture is an omnipresent and dynamic process that influences every aspect of how we perceive and interact with others; therefore, it is important to recognize the diverse behaviors and beliefs of patients within respective contexts, rather than solely through the lens of a single culture. Cultural competence encompasses cultural skills, knowledge, awareness, which promotes healthcare equity, fostering communication and trust between the practitioner, healthcare system, and patient. PAs hold a unique position to bridge health disparities and promote equitable healthcare delivery, particularly for intersectional identities, such as CLD populations within rural communities. It is known that a higher percentatge of PAs practice in rural settings compared to physicians. The aim of this review is to examine the barriers that hinder the application of cultural competence in practice, offering insight into areas for improvement and contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable healthcare for all.
Category
Social Sciences
Cultural Competence in Healthcare: A Literature Review of Barriers to the Application of Culturally Responsive Practice for Physician Assistants
UC South Ballroom
Abstract
Culturally competent health services for physician assistants (PA), are critical for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities given the common disparities in healthcare. In addressing the multifaceted nature of disparities, the purpose of this literature review is to examine the role and responsibilities of PAs to be culturally competent. Culture is an omnipresent and dynamic process that influences every aspect of how we perceive and interact with others; therefore, it is important to recognize the diverse behaviors and beliefs of patients within respective contexts, rather than solely through the lens of a single culture. Cultural competence encompasses cultural skills, knowledge, awareness, which promotes healthcare equity, fostering communication and trust between the practitioner, healthcare system, and patient. PAs hold a unique position to bridge health disparities and promote equitable healthcare delivery, particularly for intersectional identities, such as CLD populations within rural communities. It is known that a higher percentatge of PAs practice in rural settings compared to physicians. The aim of this review is to examine the barriers that hinder the application of cultural competence in practice, offering insight into areas for improvement and contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable healthcare for all.