Improving Communication for Better Healthcare Outcomes in Archuleta County

Communication plays a vital role in accessing and receiving healthcare. A recent Mental and Behavioral Health Landscape Assessment conducted by Healthy Archuleta highlighted the importance of training primary care providers in integrated and culturally competent care. The assessment also underscored the importance of improving mental and behavioral health literacy within Spanish-speaking and Hispanic/Latino households. In response to these findings, Healthy Archuleta collaborated with expert professionals to bring essential resources to the community.

In April, a two-day training initiative was launched, targeting both healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking families. These sessions aimed to advance culturally competent care practices and foster open conversations about mental health within Spanish-speaking communities. The training for healthcare providers focused on developing culturally competent practices in both primary and behavioral healthcare settings. It emphasized the significance of cultural competency, the necessary values and skills required including the importance of curiosity, and utilized case studies to facilitate group discussions. A key element of the training was the focus on provider-patient communication. It recognized that communication can either reinforce or challenge an individual's beliefs and values, subsequently influencing patient satisfaction, adherence to recommendations, and overall health outcomes.

One specific case study highlighted a patient with a family history of stroke seeking preventative care. This patient had previously experienced a medical visit where assumptions were made based on their name and perceived background. The healthcare provider had assumed the patient spoke Spanish and had certain dietary habits without asking any preliminary questions. This experience illustrated how stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings and damage the patient-provider relationship, particularly when cultural differences are present. Such interactions can deter individuals from diverse backgrounds from seeking necessary medical care. When healthcare providers make assumptions based on a patient's ethnicity, race, or name, they risk undermining the quality of care. Ultimately, healthcare providers are focused on achieving positive health outcomes, helping patients manage or overcome disease, and improving their overall well-being. Patient satisfaction is a crucial first step in this process, leading to adherence to recommendations and the realization of the provider's envisioned outcomes.

Therefore, the primary objective of these training sessions, both current and future, is to enhance communication between healthcare providers and community members. Improved communication is essential for ensuring access to primary, preventive, and mental/behavioral healthcare, enhancing patient satisfaction, promoting adherence to treatment plans that respect individual backgrounds and values, and ultimately achieving better health outcomes for a healthier community. Healthy Archuleta looks forward to further collaborations with local healthcare and mental/behavioral health providers, the community, and experienced professionals, such as Drs. Canaca, whose expertise lies in serving diverse populations in rural settings, including Native American, Hispanic/Latino, and immigrant communities.