Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 8.03 Education
Presentation #1 Title
Cultural competence in Appalachia: Teaching and Learning
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Culturally competent care is challenging everywhere in the United States; but unique characteristics of the Appalachian region prove to be especially challenging. Many factors contribute to this challenge. The geographical boundaries and the inherent nature of the people make the region a distinctive environment for healthcare. Much of Appalachia is described a federally declared Health Professionals Shortage Area which means that a chronic deficiency of medical professionals exists in the area. One method of lessening this shortage is to encourage healthcare professionals to practice in this region through the J-1 Visa Waiver, replacing the requirement for foreign medical students to return home for two years of practice before returning to the United States to practice. This program supports Appalachian healthcare, but some inconsistencies exist for cultural competence. Additionally, the face of the Appalachian culture is changing under the influence of technology, travel, and improved education of residents. It is possible that young Appalachian natives fail to perceive the impact of the cultural heritage underpinning their perspectives. All these factors mix to make Appalachian cultural competence very complex. Yet, residents of this region should have access to care that is culturally congruent. Uncertainty remains on the best way to teach cultural competence. A number of theoretical frameworks have been developed but few have substantial evidence supporting efficacy. This presentation will explore the relevance of cultural competence, theories of cultural competence, and ways cultural competence is taught.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
As a nursing education focus PhD student at East Tennessee State University, my goal is to teach others to care for my family, friends, and neighbors in the Appalachian region.
Cultural competence in Appalachia: Teaching and Learning
Harris Hall 446
Culturally competent care is challenging everywhere in the United States; but unique characteristics of the Appalachian region prove to be especially challenging. Many factors contribute to this challenge. The geographical boundaries and the inherent nature of the people make the region a distinctive environment for healthcare. Much of Appalachia is described a federally declared Health Professionals Shortage Area which means that a chronic deficiency of medical professionals exists in the area. One method of lessening this shortage is to encourage healthcare professionals to practice in this region through the J-1 Visa Waiver, replacing the requirement for foreign medical students to return home for two years of practice before returning to the United States to practice. This program supports Appalachian healthcare, but some inconsistencies exist for cultural competence. Additionally, the face of the Appalachian culture is changing under the influence of technology, travel, and improved education of residents. It is possible that young Appalachian natives fail to perceive the impact of the cultural heritage underpinning their perspectives. All these factors mix to make Appalachian cultural competence very complex. Yet, residents of this region should have access to care that is culturally congruent. Uncertainty remains on the best way to teach cultural competence. A number of theoretical frameworks have been developed but few have substantial evidence supporting efficacy. This presentation will explore the relevance of cultural competence, theories of cultural competence, and ways cultural competence is taught.
