Speaker: Educate yourself, show respect to provide Hispanic patients better care
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
NEW YORK – By 2050, all minorities together will make up the majority of the U.S. population, and cultural competence in the optometric practice will be increasingly important, Hector C. Santiago, OD, PhD, FAAO, said at Vision Expo East.
“As you get to know the people you serve, you will attract them,” he said.
The knowledge of how health conditions affect ethnicities differently and the influence of cultural nuances can help the optometrist provide better care, Santiago said.
“It’s just an extension of what we do,” he said. “Many of you already see a lot of children. You talk differently with them, use toys – you are adapting your practice to the needs and the culture of children. That’s cultural competence, although we don’t call it that.”
He noted that one of the objectives of the HHS Healthy People 2030 is to achieve health equity, eliminate disparities and improve the health of all groups.
Santiago said the term Hispanic or Latino can be applied to those who are from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South America, Central America or of another Spanish culture regardless of race.
He noted that the population breakdown differs by U.S. region.
“The largest group is Mexican American and, by far, they are concentrated in the Southwest U.S.,” he said.
Santiago said that a Hispanic person’s concept of time tends to be, not linear, but “multi-active.”
“In theory, we have a schedule just like everyone,” he said. “But what happens in reality? Time is not that important. Human relationships and interactions are. This is why some of your Latino patients come late to appointments. If their appointment is at 11:00, maybe tell them to come at 10:30.”
The concept of space may also be different, Santiago said.
While “the distance of comfort is close, as opposed to Anglo or British people, in general, direct eye contact is not expected, especially with elderly Hispanics,” he said. “They have high respect for doctors and they may avoid direct eye contact. It may look like they’re not paying attention to you. A very direct gaze could also be misinterpreted as having a romantic connotation.”
Santiago added, “When you encounter a Hispanic patient for the first time, say ‘Mr.’ and ‘Mrs.’ out of respect. Once you get to know them, it’s OK to use their first name.”
Your Hispanic patients may believe in traditional folk medicine, such as Curanderismo or Santeria.
“Let them express where they come from,” he said. “Have respect for those traditions.”
The family is the pillar of society in Hispanic culture, Santiago said. Patients often attend doctor appointments with a family member or two.
“This is an opportunity to make your practice grow,” he said. “And be flexible about allowing family members inside the exam room. They may be the people who help the elderly patient with their medications.”
Santiago noted the importance of taking time to explain the patient’s condition and treatment.
“They may too readily say they understand, out of respect,” he said.
“Language is a challenge,” Santiago said. “Learn a little bit of Spanish. Hire bilingual staff and be sure they are sensitive people. The American Optometric Association has brochures for many conditions in English and Spanish.
“If you want to use interpreters, train them,” he continued. “Tell them to interpret exactly what the patient says. Children are terrible interpreters. You want the interpreter to be beside the patient. Talk to the patient even if they’re being interpreted.
“Matin Latinos believe obesity is a sign of healthiness,” Santiago added. “You have to be sensitive about this, but it’s important to change that concept and explain why obesity is not right. Forty-four percent of us are obese, and 44% of us are hypertensive. One of every four children is Puerto Rico is obese, and one in every 10 is hypertensive.”
Many cancers and chronic illnesses have a higher incidence in Hispanic patients.
Collapse
Santiago HC. Cultural competence: The opportunities of serving the needs of Hispanic patients. Presented at: Vision Expo East; March 31-April 3, 2022; New York.
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts