Case Studies
Examples of and the rationale for strategies used to foster critical consciousness in the work of health equity at Barnes-Jewish Hospital:
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, a division of Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc., is a Catholic, not-for-profit organization with more than 100 sites in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, more than 12,000 employees and approximately 1,578,298 patients served in fiscal year 2011. Their associates, leaders…
Transforming organizations, such as academic health centers or teaching hospitals, toward creating a culture of inclusion is challenging. The way a health care professional thinks, including their delivery of services, practices or engagement, is not only influenced by personal beliefs and values,…
In order to deliver the highest quality and most appropriate health care, Georgia Health Sciences University sought to improve the cultural competency of their workforce and student body. The study describes the process that was experienced in order to provide cultural competency training to all…
Approximately 24 million people--8.5 percent of the U.S. population--are defined as having Limited English Proficiency. Research suggests that among those who experience medical errors, LEP patients are more likely to be harmed, the harm is more likely to be serious, and the cause of harm is more…
Neighborhood and environment are important determinants of health in addition to individual characteristics and contributions of the health care system. Individuals living in poor neighborhoods are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Little is known about how neighborhood perceptions are…
There is often a lack of coordination among the various health and social systems that provide initial orientation to newly arrived refugees. Ineffective coordination across critical systems can be detrimental, putting providers who are less-resourced at a disadvantage in their efforts to provide…
Many immigrant parents rely on their children to help them communicate as ad hoc interpreters in a variety of settings and under many conditions. Child 'language brokers' transmit not only linguistic information; they also identify nuances in cultures, mediating to convey each party's tone and…
This case study explores the process of accessing health care from the perspective of the immigrant or refugee and provides insight into the barriers facing refugee and immigrant patients in accessing health care services. The findings provide further insight into the barriers facing newcomers in…
Today health disparities remain a constant challenge for immigrants, refugees and displaced populations. Because all cultures work to establish traditional practices vital to their survival, existing cultural practices may be important when addressing health disparities. Hmong refugees have resided…