Transcript Hispanics in the Health System

Understanding Latinos
& their perceptions of the
American
Health System
• The Latino Culture is characterized by its unique
cultural traditions, life styles, food, customs, as
well as living environments that promote regular
physical activity. It is a culture that is rich in
tradition and warmth
• For many years, people from many countries in Latin America
have come to the United States to become a member of this great
Nation, changing their customs and traditions to adapt
themselves to a new way of living. Learning how to navigate a
new health system is one of those changes. In this process of
transition to a new system, they face many barriers and
challenges.
• The majority of Latinos in California face language barriers
• Many Latinos live in poverty which creates barriers with
medications, transportation, marital problems, etc
• Many Latino patients have limited education,
low literacy; some are illiterate even in Spanish
•
Many Latino patients face acculturation issues associated
with being a new immigrant in a new country
• Many Latino patients are unable to express how they really
feel – so stress may be expressed as a physical ailment or
just not feeling well
• Many Latino Immigrants are not familiar with the American health
system and have a difficult time navigating the new system
• In Latin American countries:
clinics are smaller
appointments are not made by phone – only drop in
personal relationships/customer service is very different
(more personal attention, warm greetings)
doctors have more time for the patients
(at least 30 minutes or more)
Hispanic patients value:
• Warm greeting from
registration & all health
personnel
• Doctor’s full attention for
the 15 minutes
• Doctors understanding
the challenges that
immigrant Latino patients
face
Latino patients and
medications
• Latino patients are
accustomed to using
Latino folk cures (herbs,
teas)
• Lack of access to
insurance/income
results in Latinos not
wanting to use costly
medical services &
medications
Latino patients lack confidence
in American medical system
• In emergency room situations,
Latinos believe delays in
treating them mean the medical
system does not care about
them
• In Latin American Countries,
they are more likely to get
antibiotics and injections
and are therefore disappointed if
prescribed, for instance just
Tylenol
• Latino patients want to feel
better quickly and think
American doctors are not giving
them best treatment when they
don’t get better quickly
Patient/Doctor communication
• Latino patients want
doctors to speak to them
using words they can
understand
• Latino patients need
interpretation when they
don’t speak English
• Latino patients benefit
when their doctor asks
them if they understood
their directions and asks
them to repeat the
instruction
Patient/Doctor Communication
in rural communities of
Latin-America
ROLE PLAY
Doctor/Patient relationship
Latin American style
•
•
•
•
Warm welcome (Big smile)
How are you by first name
What brings you here today?
Doctor takes vital signs (even if nurse has
already)
• Doctor never shames, criticizes a patient until
he/she has won the trust of the patient
• In Latin-American Countries doctors are seen as
part of Family
Lifestyle changes due to being
in a new country
Exercise changes
Eating pattern changes
New stressors
• Latino patients want
doctors to understand
that work life and
family life are very
different in Latin
American countries –
there is less time here
in the U.S. for self
care
Mi Casa Es Su Casa
• The Latino community is grateful that
America and American doctors want to learn
more about them and their culture.
• By sharing about our culture, we can work
together to improve Latino health