Cultural Competency Action Group Summary

1. Cultural Competency Action Group Summary December 16, 2005

2. Background • Reducing/Eliminating Health and Disease Disparities Workgroup identified three cultural competency action steps: • Develop and implement a plan for professional and community education in cultural competency • Identify and promote utilization of high quality, validated tools to assess and improve cultural competency within agencies, organizations, and industries • Promote the availability of cultural competency resources through multiple vehicles; develop a statewide cultural competency clearinghouse

3. Kansas African American Affairs Commission Kansas Association of Local Health Departments Kansas City Chronic Disease Coalition Governor’s Office of Health Planning and Finance Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services KDHE Secretary’s Office Kansas Health Institute Kansas Hospital Association Kansas State Nurses Association KU Medical Center Representative Delia Garcia, D - Wichita UAW Ford – Community Health Care Initiative Members who signed up to participate with this action step at the last meeting included…

4. Definition of Cultural Competency • “The level of knowledge-based skills required to provide effective (clinical) care to patients from a particular ethnic or racial group” (HRSA) • The ability to operate effectively and equitably across cultural boundaries • An ability to understand and relate to others in a trustworthy manner, with respect for individual cultural differences The HK2010 Reducing/Eliminating Disparities workgroup recognized that achieving cultural competency is a process rather than just an outcome, and that achieving cultural sensitivity and cultural specificity are incremental steps toward achieving cultural competency.

5. Reasons and Need for Improved Cultural Competency • Moral, ethical and philosophical grounds that health systems are responsible for providing effective, equitable and affordable healthcare to all people • Nation’s health will be adversely affected by continued disparity based on minority population status • Cost effective • Individual level • Professionals in-training • Professionals in the field • Organizational level • Health providing organizations • Other organizations (schools, fire, law, etc.)

6. Action Group Summary Recommendations • Organize, develop, and maintain a statewide cultural competency clearinghouse and resource center, located in the Office of Minority Health • Support the KDHE Office of Minority Health and promote an even broader role for the Office See Action Group Summary handout for suggested steps under each recommendation.

7. Action Group Summary Recommendations • Communicate and support a broad definition of cultural competency • Compile and disseminate information to demonstrate the statewide need for training and need for improved cultural competency See Action Group Summary handout for suggested steps under each recommendation.

8. Action Group Summary Recommendations • Develop advanced cultural competency training courses related to different cultural groups and/or appropriately individualize training whenever possible • Promote strategies that improve linguistic accountability and competency See Action Group Summary handout for suggested steps under each recommendation.

9. Healthy People 2010 Review • Overall Healthy People 2010 Goals • Increase Quality and Years of Healthy Life • Eliminate Health Disparities

10. Impact on the 10 Leading Health Indicators • All of the 10 Leading Health Indicators are worse among cultural [broad definition] groups

11. Physical Activity: Overweight and obesity Tobacco use Substance abuse Responsible sexual behavior Mental Health Injury and violence Environmental quality Immunization Access to health care Lower self reported levels Higher BMI Higher child/teen use Higher disability rates, alcohol and marijuana use Higher unintended pregnancy, STDs for African Americans (national) Higher rates of depression Lower seat belt use; higher homicide Higher % of population living in pre-1970 fabricated housing Lower influenza and pneumococcal rates among African American and Hispanic adults (national) Fewer reporting medical home; higher levels of access problems 10 Leading Health Indicators Among Minority Kansans

12. Impact on the 10 Leading Health Indicators • Cultural competency is not itself a product, program, or health outcome • Rather, it is an ongoing, capacity-building process and an essential element that must be in place for (sub)population health to be achieved