Understanding the Impact of Cultural Competency and Diversity Within Healthcare
Poster Number
2
Session Title
Poster Session 1
Faculty Mentor
Kathryn Kohl, Ph.D.| Michael Lipscomb, Ph.D.| Daniel Stovall, Ph.D. | Matthew Stern, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Within the medical field, two of the overarching principles that are crucial for provider-provider and patient-provider interaction are cultural competency education and highly diverse staff. This research asked, what effects does the presence of diversity in medical personnel and the education of cultural competency have on the function of the medical environment and care provision? The hypothesis of this research is that with an increase in diversity levels in staff, and with proper training in cultural competency, there will be positive effects on the work environment and patient-provider/provider-provider interactions. Enacting those principles decreases communication barriers, increases holistic medical care, and encourages workplace synergy among providers. To gather data to answer this question, a 10-question survey was distributed to individuals that currently or previously worked in healthcare. Additionally, this survey was augmented by a literature review of how health disparities and underrepresentation in medicine affect the provision of care. Results from the responses to the survey revealed that 7 out of 10 participants worked in healthcare offices that enforced similar processes to ensure diversity and inclusion, but there were some discrepancies. Half of the respondents stated that most staff were predominantly one race. Additionally, not much education on cultural competency was offered outside of basic training. These findings are congruent with information gathered from the literature, and this lack in representation and understanding can lead to communication barriers between patients and providers and a lack of care provision from a holistic standpoint.
Honors Thesis Committee
Kathryn Kohl, Ph.D., Michael Lipscomb, Ph.D., Daniel Stovall, Ph.D. , Matthew Stern, Ph.D.
Previously Presented/Performed?
Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Understanding the Impact of Cultural Competency and Diversity Within Healthcare
Within the medical field, two of the overarching principles that are crucial for provider-provider and patient-provider interaction are cultural competency education and highly diverse staff. This research asked, what effects does the presence of diversity in medical personnel and the education of cultural competency have on the function of the medical environment and care provision? The hypothesis of this research is that with an increase in diversity levels in staff, and with proper training in cultural competency, there will be positive effects on the work environment and patient-provider/provider-provider interactions. Enacting those principles decreases communication barriers, increases holistic medical care, and encourages workplace synergy among providers. To gather data to answer this question, a 10-question survey was distributed to individuals that currently or previously worked in healthcare. Additionally, this survey was augmented by a literature review of how health disparities and underrepresentation in medicine affect the provision of care. Results from the responses to the survey revealed that 7 out of 10 participants worked in healthcare offices that enforced similar processes to ensure diversity and inclusion, but there were some discrepancies. Half of the respondents stated that most staff were predominantly one race. Additionally, not much education on cultural competency was offered outside of basic training. These findings are congruent with information gathered from the literature, and this lack in representation and understanding can lead to communication barriers between patients and providers and a lack of care provision from a holistic standpoint.
