Oral

The session highlights the significance of cultural competence in the provision of high quality primary care as well as its importance to effective communication in the health care environment. The session addresses the use of interpreters in physician assessments, the role of health literacy and the potential misuse of over-the-counter products among adolescents, and ways to promote effective communication between health care settings in emergency situations as well as in patient-provider encounters, all with a focus on cultural elements that may impact these issues. A measurement of cultural competency from the patient’s perspective is also presented. This session has strong public health relevance for practitioners, researchers and policy analysts who are interested in the provision of high quality care that is effective and culturally relevant to all U.S. population groups.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss important issues related to cultural competency and health literacy in primary care. 2. Identify significant aspects of culturally competent care from the patient’s perspective. 3. Describe efforts to achieve effective communication across health care settings and in patient-physician encounters.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)