The AAFP believes in working to address the health and educational needs of our many diverse populations. A list of issues to consider in preparing informational or continuing medical education material and programs has been developed to ensure cultural proficiency and to address specific health issues as they relate to special populations of patients and providers.
Information should be sensitive to the issues of special populations (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender [GLBT]; women; minorities; international medical graduates [IMG]) and address where appropriate:
Cultural Proficiency Guidelines
- The practice setting from both the patient and physician perspectives (e.g., staff diversity, a welcoming office environment)
- Socioeconomic issues (e.g., poverty, social status)
- Disparities in health care as they relate to special populations (e.g., cultural differences, hypertension, obesity, infant mortality)
- Special health problems associated with specific populations (e.g., HIV, Hep B & C, Diabetes in Native Americans)
- Research-based information and ongoing research on cultural proficiency
- Access to health care for specific populations (e.g., transportation, uninsured)
- Barriers to health care (e.g., language, cultural differences, religion)
- Limitation of opportunities because of special population status (e.g., hygiene, attire, financial status)
- Cultural expectations or beliefs (e.g., alternative health practices, religious or spiritual beliefs)
(March Board, 2001)
