Increased diversity demands diversifying traditional health care approaches

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (11/30/2021) - The long-standing racial and ethnic disparities in health and wellbeing have only gotten worse since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund that provides a state-by-state analysis of racial and ethnic equity in U.S. health care.

Findings from the report showed that Black women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages, Latinx/Hispanic people typically face the highest barriers to receiving health care, and white people are less likely than other population groups to face cost-related barriers.

Recent census figures clearly show the United States is more diverse than it's ever been. Understanding how to provide health care and human services for this ever-diversifying population is increasingly imperative to our nation's health and success.

Health Services Management Faculty Director Frances Fernandez is available to comment on the growing urgency for health care systems and their leadership to reflect these changes in the populations they serve, to provide services in ways that promote respect for cultural and language differences-approaches proven to increase treatment adherence and positive outcomes-and how these approaches can be integrated into health system operations today.

Frances Fernandez

"We are at an exciting time of great opportunity to effect change in health care delivery. A person-centered approach has been the focus of health care delivery for many years. However, the industry as a whole has not been very effective in addressing the needs of both patients and family members whose culture, background, language, and customs are diverse. This is evident in health outcomes from diverse populations where access to health care and adherence are compromised due to lack of appropriate approach and follow-up.

"We must work harder to assure our providers and support staff-including physicians, nurses, therapists, administrators, etc.-have the appropriate training, compassion, and ethical approach to care. Respect for the individual and their family's culture and language are key to relationship building, trust, successful treatment adherence, and positive outcomes. This means engaging and learning from individuals from the cultural background we are seeking to serve. Having dedicated my life to executive health care leadership in a variety of settings and in diverse communities, I understand just how much our system still needs to evolve in order to provide quality individualized care for all; we are just touching the tip of the iceberg with regards to inclusion and equity in health care."

Frances Fernandez is the faculty director for the Health Services Management program in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies. She has over 25 years of expertise in executive health care leadership, health system and human service administration, individualized and culturally appropriate health care practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in health science education. She also has real-world expertise managing health care networks for underserved or marginalized populations.