Poor children with special health care needs (CSHCN) from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have higher prevalence rates for chronic physical conditions, have more severe conditions, use fewer outpatient services, and have more hospital admissions than their non-poor Caucasian peers. For some ethnic minority and immigrant families with CSHCN, access, utilization, and quality care have different connotations than they do for western health care providers. Failure to address contextual issues, such as cultural differences and the operationalization of cultural values and preferences may affect the physical, social and emotional functioning of minority CSHCN. During three ethnic-specific conferences participants were asked to provide insights into the utilization, accessibility, and quality of care issues facing CSHCN and their families from Native American/Alaskan Native, Latino/Hispanic American and Black/African American ancestry. The invitational conferences each included approximately 35 participants, e.g., parent-advocates (n=12); academic-clinicians (n=8); cross-disciplined researchers from the fields of nursing, psychology, public health, and social work (n=9); and policy-makers (n=6). Each of the conferences was two-and-a-half days in duration. The format for each conference was the same with structured presentations and semi-structured large and small work groups. Minority and immigrant families indicated that they were less likely to use systems of care that do not respect or incorporate their social and cultural norms. For participants, a holistic framework was seen as essential to address physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects CSHCN and their families in service delivery. A non-linear trans-disciplinary health care model was developed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to:
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Access and Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.