Question

Write a paper (1,000-1,250 words) that addresses the impact diversity has on health care, and the changes that occur to support diverse populations. Include the following: Define diversity. Explain how diverse demographics influence the health care industry. Consider culture, gender, religion and spirituality, and social and economic status. Define the meaning of cultural competence and the role it plays in organizational behavior. What is meant by the term "diversity management"? How have changes in U.S. demographics impacted the health care industry, diversity of customers, and diversity within the organization itself? How does understanding diversity support awareness, empathy, and understanding with a community? How does it support a national and global community?

Answer 1

According to Merriam - Webster definition of diversity is : the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (such as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization

As our country gets bigger, older and more diverse, the ever-evolving composition of the population will have profound effects on the U.S. health-care system and the people in its care.Changes in population size, age, race and ethnicity affect the health-care resources needed, the cost of care provided, and even the conditions associated with each population group. Health-care organizations will have to adapt quickly to meet their patients’ changing needs—all while addressing health-reform requirements.Cultural and religious diversity—well beyond communication barriers—is important as well. In some cultures, for example, a male physician won’t see female patients.Health-care providers also need to keep patients’ religious beliefs and traditions in mind. Buddhists, for example, place an importance on mindful awareness and often seek non-pharmacological pain management options. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sundown, and this fasting could present harm to a patient.Health-care professionals must be cognizant of these differences within their patient community. They need to communicate clearly, in a respectful manner, if and when cultural and religious preferences may put the patient in harm’s way.From patient age to religious preference, diversity isn’t going away. The once “one-size-fits-all” notion of health care has all but dissolved. Hospitals and other health-care organizations will have to continually assess and plan for their changing patient populations’ care needs.(Ensocare,2017)

Language and communication problems may also lead to patient dissatisfaction, poor comprehension and adherence, and lower quality of care.(Orav et. al.1999)

Cultural competence is defined as the ability of providers and organizations to effectively deliver health care services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients.(Green et al 2002)People with chronic conditions require more health services, therefore increasing their interaction with the health care system. If the providers, organizations, and systems are not working together to provide culturally competent care, patients are at higher risk of having negative health consequences, receiving poor quality care, or being dissatisfied with their care. African Americans and other ethnic minorities report less partnership with physicians, less participation in medical decisions, and lower levels of satisfaction with care(Cooper & Roter. 2003.)

Diversity Management can be defined as the process of planning, directing, organizing and applying all the comprehensive managerial attributes for developing an organizational environment, in which all diverse employees irrespective of their similarities and differences, can actively and effectively contribute to the competitive advantage of a company or an organization(Dike,2013)

Ref:

1.Merriam-Webster dictionary.

2.Ensocare ,2017,How demographics impact healthcare industry.

3.Carrasquillo, O., Orav, E. J., Brennan, T. A., Burstin, H. R. 1999. Impact of language barriers on patient satisfaction in an emergency department. Journal of General Internal Medicine,

4.Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. 2002. Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. New York: The Commonwealth Fund

5.Cooper &Roter. 2003