Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1541294
Communication Tips When talking about a disability or with a person with disabilities, focus on the person, not the disability, avoid negative language and use people-first language Members with mental health and/or substance abuse conditions may need consideration: • Know how to get help in the event of a crisis, remain calm and offer support • Keep stress levels to a minimum • Change words you use • Ask what environment they are most comfortable in DON'T: • Finish their sentences or cut them off • Mimic or mock their speech • Assume you know what they are saying • Be patronizing What is Culture? Culture refers to integrated patterns of human behavior that includes language, thoughts, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions that unite a group of people. We use it to create standards for how we act and behave socially. It is important to keep in mind, everyone brings their cultural background with them. There are many cultures at work in each health care visit. Our personal culture includes what we find meaningful- beliefs, values, perceptions, assumptions and explanatory framework about reality. These are present in every communication. Health Equity vs. Equality Health Equity is "the attainment of the highest level of health for all people." Inequities exist when groups are unable to attain this level of health. Equality means everyone gets the same resources while equity means everyone has the same outcome. Newer models of health justice focus on self- determination, recognizing that individuals have a right to determine their own destiny, and this may mean choosing different outcomes based on their values. Inequities in Late-Stage Cancer Diagnosis Successful treatment of cancer increases with early-stage diagnosis, and late-stage diagnosis means cancer is harder to overcome. Data showed that across four cancer types (breast, cervical, colorectal and lung), in comparison to the size of their member population: • Asian members were overrepresented in late-stage diagnosis • Black members were overrepresented for cervical cancer • White members were overrepresented for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE COMMUNICATING Ask the member how he/she wants to communicate Speak slowly, clearly and patiently, and give them time to respond DON'T • Assume — which also includes not assuming someone from another culture understands American Sign Language. • Rush or ask the member to hurry. USE PEOPLE-FIRST LANGUAGE Person with a disability Person who is deaf Person who uses a wheelchair Person with an intellectual disability AVOID NEGATIVE LANGUAGE • Handicapped • Blind person • Wheelchair-bound • Mentally retarded Provider Education Training Manual 35 |