5074.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 9:00 AM

Abstract #5692

Eliminating Disparities in Health Care: Change Through Definition

Jaspreet Chowdhary1, Sarah Stockbridge2, Susan Stocker2, and Susan Stocker2. (1) Agnes Scott College, 309 North Decatur Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, 404-501-0339, jaspreetc@hotmail.com, (2) Goucher College, MD 21204, N/A, ssarah00@hotmail.com

Using the techniques of Augusto Boal, Theatre of the Oppressed, this panel gives the participants a chance to "know the world they live in, in order to change it" and in the process to transform both themselves and their knowledge. As students and researchers of healthcare practices, we have been trained in these techniques and will interactively explore past, present and future healthcare practices and definitions. The goal of this panel is to reveal the disparities in current health care practices and begin to envision alternatives as we work toward transformation. It is our finding that inconsistency in the delivery of health care stems in part from contradictions and/or the obscurity of definitions. "Health Care" as a concept gets defined in various ways. Without Understanding peoples' different standpoints and communicating about what is meant by the use of certain terms, differences,life experiences and expectations make mutual connection difficult. Through body movement and the creation of images we will explore these contradictions, define health care, honor and observe the diversity of definitions and reflect upon the creation of new definitions that are connected and empowering instead of disconnected and disempowering . Through the embedded discussion we will expand upon the audience's experiences as well as our own to build bridges between the various ideas and definitions as well as to link our past experiences with healthcare to the healthcare we would like to see in the future

Learning Objectives: 1. During this session participants will construct new definitions of health care. 2. During this session participants will heighten their awareness of the disparities of health care. 3. During this session the participants will explore the use of body movement to create change and communicate ideas

Keywords: Change, Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA