Patient Engagement and Cultural Sensitivity as a Strategy to Improve Health Inequities: The Solutions Are as Simple as They Are Complex

Authors

Mauvareen Beverley, Patient Engagement and Cultural Competence Specialist Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine, United States; Medical Society State New York (MSSNY), United States; Equity Committee Member of the AMA Academic, United States; Physician's Section Member of the National Association of Health Service Executives, United States.
Dave A. Holson, Mount Sinai, NYC Health+Hospital/Queens, United States.
Dial Hewlett, Westchester County Department of Health White Plains, New York 10601, United States; Infectious Disease Consultant, Calvary Hospital Bronx, United States; New York Adjunct Associate Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Journal of the National Medical Association

First Page

578

Last Page

583

Document Type

Editorial

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Department

Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Abstract

The SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has shed a bright light on the long-standing health inequities experienced by Blacks across the United States. The need to promote the health and well-being for the Black population has been highlighted. Culturally sensitive patient engagement approach designed to value the Black population is essential. However, the English-speaking Black population is often not part of the cultural sensitivity conversations. This concept resulted from empathetic and non-judgmental conversations over a 10-year period with over one thousand patients. This article will provide simple solutions through the practical application of patient engagement and cultural sensitivity using the common thread of the human experience.

Recommended Citation

Beverley, M., Holson, D. A., & Hewlett, D. (2022). Patient Engagement and Cultural Sensitivity as a Strategy to Improve Health Inequities: The Solutions Are as Simple as They Are Complex. Journal of the National Medical Association, 114 (6), 578-583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnma.2022.09.005