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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