The Transcultural Committee-Hispanic Initiative project was implemented at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC in August 1999. This project was initiated as a course requirement in the Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of South Carolina – School of Public Health. The main purpose was to develop a cultural competency program in a hospital setting in response to the increasing population of Hispanic patients. Many barriers to access of medical care exist for the Hispanics, with language difficulties being the foremost issue. Language barriers, and/or different cultural values and health beliefs could possibly alienate Hispanics from our health care system, as well as cause many difficulties for the healthcare providers. A multi-disciplinary committee was established and goals included in the process were an assessment of staff awareness of cultural competencies, determination of available resources, assessment of system readiness for program implementation, as well as the development of a training program for volunteer translators. This project serves as an opportunity to assist in the creation of a cultural competence program which will facilitate the delivery of information to Hispanic patients receiving care at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Learning Objectives: - Assess system needs for implementation of a cultural competence program - Assess needs of volunteer translators - Establish list of resources available. - Develop an assessment tool for volunteer interpreters. § Develop a guidebook for Spanish interpretation
Keywords: Hispanic, Cultural Competency
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.