Journal of health care for the poor and underserved
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · May 2008
The contribution of international medical graduates to diversity in the U.S. physician workforce: graduate medical education.
To describe the ethnicity/race and gender distribution of the international medical graduates (IMGs) qualified to enter graduate medical education (GME) and those who are actually in GME. ⋯ International medical graduates provide much-needed diversity in GME. Since most IMGs remain in the U.S. after training, this diversity can lead to a richer training environment, increased access to health care, and better health care outcomes.
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · May 2008
ReviewLanguage interpreter utilization in the emergency department setting: a clinical review.
The emergency department (ED) serves as the entry point into the U. S. health care system for many patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). This paper reviews the literature on language interpreter utilization in the ED setting. ⋯ Compared with-English speaking patients, LEP patients report less satisfaction with medical encounters, have different rates of diagnostic testing, and receive less explanation and follow-up. Although professional interpretation has been associated with improvements in patient satisfaction, communication, and health care access, these services are largely under-utilized in ED settings. Reliance on untrained ad hoc interpreters, perceived time and labor associated with obtaining and working with an interpreter, and costs of implementing professional interpreter services serve as barriers to implementation and utilization.
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · Feb 2008
Children's mental health care: differences by race/ethnicity in urban/rural areas.
This study examines racial/ethnic disparities in children's mental health and the receipt of mental health services, and whether those disparities differ between urban and rural areas. We find no significant difference between racial/ethnic groups in the prevalence of child mental health problems in either urban or rural areas. ⋯ Initiatives to improve access to mental health care for racial/ethnic minorities should recognize these disparities, and address the lack of culturally appropriate services in both urban and rural areas. In addition, outreach should raise awareness among parents, teachers, and other community members concerning the need for mental health services for minority children.
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · May 2006
The role of faith-based institutions in addressing health disparities: a case study of an initiative in the southwest Bronx.
Although many public health initiatives have been implemented through collaborations with faith-based institutions, little is known about best practices for developing such programs. Using a community-based participatory approach, this case study examines the implementation of an initiative in the Bronx, New York, that is designed to educate community members about health promotion and disease management and to mobilize church members to seek equal access to health care services. ⋯ Key findings include the importance of pre-existing relationships within the community and the prominent agenda-setting role played by key pastors, and the strength of the Coalition's dual focus on health behaviors and health disparities. Given the churches' demonstrated ability to pull people together, to motivate and to inspire, there is great potential for faith-based interventions, and models developed through such interventions, to address health disparities.