Transcultural Programs
Enhancement of transcultural relationships between providers and patients leads to improved communication, joint decision making and eventually overall improved health of mothers, babies, and their communities. In 2001, National Perinatal Association introduced the handbook, Transcultural Aspects of Perinatal Care, A Resource Guide. Its purpose is to present information to health care professionals so they may provide consistent, quality care to all patients. Focusing on perinatal care, it reviews specific cultural practices and beliefs, aiding in the provision of culturally proficient care.
Transcultural Aspects of Perinatal Care, A Resource Guide is an introduction for perinatal health care providers and can be used as a template for pertinent information to be obtained for any culture identified in the local service area. Examples of some the chapters - all of which highlight ethnocultural/religious groups include: African American, Amish (Old Order), Cambodian, Chinese, Cuban, Hmong, Jamaican, Japanese cultures, Judaism, Korean, Mexican, Mormonism, Muslim and Native American. It is designed to foster awareness of the cultural complexities that relate to the perinatal field and to serve as a handy reference for busy clinicians.
The material is presented in a combination of narrative and outline form in order to provide both detailed and quick answers to common questions regarding cultural and/or religious beliefs and traditions. This educational material is to be utilized as a reference publication and as ongoing resource for training needs.
Transcultural Aspects is currently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. NPA is responsible for all content and is committed to ensuring the Resource Guide will be edited and updated on a regular basis, as information changes and additional cultures are identified. Through the National Perinatal Association.s work on this publication, it became clear that further professional education for cultural proficiency was necessary.
Transcultural Education: A Journey to Cultural Proficiency
The National Perinatal Association has developed a training program, supported in part by Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute, entitled Transcultural Education: A Journey to Cultural Proficiency. This training program is designed to improve the health care experience and promote dignity and respect for all. It strives to improve communication and understanding, thus promoting effective diagnosis and treatment. It explores transcultural decision-making processes. The final unit reviews the partnerships needed for culturally proficient care, including provider attributes, professional environment, organizational support and the use of community and family advocates.
NPA's resource guide and the training program are designed to improve transcultural relationships between providers and patients and their families. They are an introduction of a nationwide training program designed for perinatal health care professionals.
The materials presented in these two programs will meet organizational, system and provider requirements within both JCAHO and the Office of Civil Rights through their Performance for Patient and Family Education and Responsibilities standards. In addition, it will serve to meet requirements through the Office for Civil Rights, Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination. Persons with Limited English Proficiency which has a competency requirement for interpreters.
For further information on either Transcultural program or to schedule a presentation or training, contact the NPA office at 1-888-971-3295.
| Transcultural Training Brochure - June 17 & 18 |
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