At the intersection of health care, policy, and women's health: A nurse faculty-managed title x clinic

Background and Issues: Many of the monolingual Spanish speaking women who present to the Title X funded family planning clinic, sponsored by the College of Nursing, hold different health beliefs than Western medical beliefs. In addition, women without documentation are reluctant to seek additional health care outside of the clinic. Description: The faculty nurse practitioners and supervisor along with the clinic staff have created specific approaches to teaching about reproductive health, contraception and family planning that addresses the explanatory models held by many immigrant women about their reproductive health. We have also created links with community agencies that will provide additional health care without requiring documentation of legal residence. Lessons Learned: Kleinman's explanatory model approach was adopted as the means to discern the presenting issue by Spanish speaking clinic assistants. This allows for clarification of the issue along with a non-judgemenatal approach to education. A community assessment of available non-profit clinics revealed ones that will see referred clients on sliding scale basis with no request for documents. Follwing the Title X policy requirements regarding documentation of all health care provided, including education, is necessary for continued funding. Recommendations: Recognize the need for culturally sensitive social, medical, and family history taking and educate with respect for the client's understanding, create community connections, and remain aware of funding policies to maintain ability to provide health services to underserved immigrant populations.