Underrepresentation In Healthcare

There has been a rapid growth in minorities in the U.S. particularly the Hispanic/ Latino community. Bureau of Health Professions (2013) studies have shown that with the rapid increase of this culture, Hispanics are not being adequately understood by medical professionals because of underrepresentation within the medical field. The after effects of underrepresentation have caused healthcare issues among this population. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2006) there has been a correlation between patient satisfaction and medical professionals of the same culture.
The following will discuss:
• Culture and its importance
• Current demographics in the U.S.
• Current medical disparities among the Hispanic Community
• Current representation

of Latinos in the medical field

Culturally Sensitive Healthcare: The Hispanic Aspect of Healthcare
Healthcare, a service provided to the general populous with the purpose of maintaining health whether that is emotional, physical, or a social service.

These services are provided by medical professionals serving U.S. citizens striving to provide the best possible care, but just as we have had a growth of medical knowledge the U.S. population has changed drastically. Minorities should no longer be overlooked as they are the new prospering culture in this day and age, especially for the Hispanic/ Latino people. As a result there has been a shift, a blend, and a creation of new cultures. It is imperative that medical professionals learn to understand culture. Failure to understand this thriving ethnic group can lead to complications such as ineffective communication, loss of trust between patient and medical personnel, and failure to provide proper treatment. That is why it is important to find ways to help Hispanics feel at ease when visiting any medical facility for service.
The Hispanic culture has many various factors, but in order to understand the Hispanic culture one must understand what culture is. According to Jarvis (2000) culture is broken down into four characteristics. Teachings learned from birth through language and socialization. The sharing of these learned practices with individuals of the same group. These ideologies are adapted to current environments and other related factors. Finally, culture is influential and constantly

changing.
The ability to understand the concept of culture for the healthcare professional allows a functioning relationship with the patient to blossom. This will increase cooperation of the patient, increase treatment success, and increase the probability of the patient returning for follow up. It is an important modern day skill to have especially in the United States the melting pot of the world.
In the United States, as stated before, there has been a substantial growth specifically in the Hispanic/ Latino group. As defined by The United States Census Bureau, “Hispanic or Latino refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race”(United States Census Bureau, 2010, p. 2). Current research suggests that, “Hispanics increased to more than twice their size since 2000 in at least 1 in every 4state counties” (United States Census Bureau, 2010, p13).

CDC (2015) as of July 1, 2013 according to the Centers of Disease control there are approximately 54 million Hispanics living in the United States today that translates to roughly 17% of the U.S.

population. Among the Hispanic population there are various subgroups. (figure 1.1) Current projections suggest that, “the Hispanic populous will almost double by 2060 representing 31% of the population” (CDC, 2015). It is typical for these subgroups to share the same traditions, beliefs, and share one common language, Spanish.
As the Latino population continues to grow the chances of a medical professional providing assistance also rises. According to recent surveys and studies, “A frequent challenge for many Hispanic patients is describing the degree of their pain and discomfort to healthcare providers” (Erickson A., 2006). One of the most important aspects of treating patients is being able to be understood and having the patient comprehend their condition. Anderson et al. (2003) conducted a survey which reported that 39% of Latinos had communication problems with their physician: they felt that their doctor did not listen to everything they had said, they did not understand the doctor and they had questions but did not ask them. Moreover, current trends show common disparities amongst the population. Centers for Disease Control (2015) say Hispanics are more susceptible to suffer from the following: obesity , diabetes , periodontitis , and more likely to have unchecked HIV in

comparison to white adults.
These ailments can all be treated effectively with culturally sensitive healthcare. There are many possible ways of promoting a culturally proficient medical environment. Some suggestions are medical professionals take educational courses for better understanding of the culture (e.g. learning to speaking Spanish), have a bilingual staff, and encourage Hispanics to aspire to become medical professionals themselves. There are statistics that show Hispanics are not as present in the medical field when compared to their other counterparts. For example, registered nurses, they are considered the first contact for any patient, in 2010, The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) noted that only six percent of Hispanics are pursuing a bachelor’s in Nursing. In addition, only four percent of Hispanics attend graduate school for nursing (Healthcare Traveler, 2012, p.22). (Figure 1.2) Depicts that only 14% of nurses are of Hispanic decent… this can be translated as for every 50 nurses only seven of them will be able to effectively communicate and relate to a patient of Hispanic descent. For a flourishing community of about 54 million Latinos that is expected to double the Hispanic nursing workforce is not enough to provide culturally sensitive care. Attempts should be made to
promote cultural awareness in the workplace and submit staff to cultural sensitivity training to ensure the best possible care.
Very similar trends can be seen with physicians. (figure1.3) For a growing minority it is a cause for concern that only six percent of physicians currently in the field are of the Hispanic culture. This means that for every 50 physicians only three of these professionals will be of Hispanic descent. Latino patients must try and search for professionals that fit their needs, but because of the scarcity of these physicians patient must learn that being particularly selective may delay their treatment. It is a gamble for the Hispanic when finding a physician. They will arrive to offices with the nervousness that their physician will not be able to understand them, they will not be able to understand the doctor, and worry if there will be any assistance such as a translator or Spanish labelled material. There should be encouragement for aspiring Hispanic medical students to become medical professionals. It would greatly make a difference in the patient experience.
As a result, to provide effective care to individuals of a different culture such as the growing Latino population it is important to be culturally sensitive. Culturally sensitive healthcare consists of: being able understand and listen to the patient, explain medical terminologies to the patient in a way that is simple, and provide supplementary education to the patient in a way that most convenient. For example supplying the patient with videos, pamphlets, labels, and having medical staff speak in the language that is better understood for the individual. Other ways of promoting cultural awareness is by encouraging Hispanic youth to take on the roles of medical professionals. This will alleviate the need for Hispanics in the medical field. In addition, current medical doctors that are not familiar with the Hispanic culture should be encouraged to familiarize themselves with Latinos by taking educational courses.
With proper implementation of these practices it is more likely to have a successful medical intervention. These practices will promote wellness and constitute a health bond between medical provider and patient.