The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43264

Angelica Maria Perez, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center, 550 First Avenue, THN 301, New York, NY 10016, 212 263-2245, ampphd@aol.com

The rhetoric on cultural sensitivity in the cross-cultural literature continues to provide a limited definition of what it means to be culturally sensitive. Cultural sensitivity is often conceptualized in theoretical and abstract terms that challenge clinicians’ abilities to translate these conceptual definitions into actual, concrete, culturally-sensitive interactions between them and their patients. Some argue that cultural sensitivity is an “art”, while others may argue that it is a skill that can be taught and learned like any other clinical skill. This presentation will explore and describe what are some powerful non-verbal and verbal behaviors and interactions that lay the foundation for a culturally sensitive patient-service provider encounter. Using the presenter’s experience as a recruiter, clinician and researcher at the New York University Multicultural Aging and Memory Assessment Program, this presentation will propose a more tangible conceptualization of what is cultural sensitivity. By operationalizing this important concept in more concrete terms and by presenting examples culturally-sensitive non-verbal and verbal interactions and behaviors between Latino immigrant patients and service providers, this presentation aims to: a) expand the definition of cultural sensivity from a theoretical conceptualization to a more concrete understanding of the concept; b) begin a new dialogue on redefining cultural sensitivity in terms of interactions and behaviors; and c) explore how a more tangible definition may help identify the patient and service provider characteristics or variables that may be significant in achieving and providing culturally sensitive services.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn about new ways of defining cultural sensitivity and translating cultural sensitivity into concrete interactions between Latino immigrant patients and service provider.
• Partiipants will be able to identify and assess verbal and non-verbal interactions and behaviors that are important for achieving cultural sensitivity with Latino immigrant populations.
• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to a) formulate an expanded definition of what is cultural sensitivity; b) identify the behaviors they bring to their interactions with patients that lay the foundation for a culturally-sensitive encounter; c) develop new sensitivities to specific patient-service provider interactions and behaviors that may help achieve cultural sensitivity. 2.

Keywords: Community Programs, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Clinical Research and Treatment Center, Silberstein Institute or Aging and Dementia
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Clinical Research and Treatment Center, Silberstein Institute for Aging and Dementia