Equity in Care Teri G. Fontenot President/CEO

Canada Gulf of Mexico Pacific Ocean Atlantic

Essential Statewide Leader in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Breast & Neonatal Care New Orleans

We believe that: Patients deserve care, treatment, and services that safeguard their personal dignity and respect their cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual values Sensitivity to beliefs is not only the patient’s right but also a key factor in safety and quality patient care By understanding and respecting cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual values, providers can better meet the patient’s care needs

Non-English Speaking Patients Race, Ethnicity and Language Diversity Non-English Speaking Patients

Caring for a Culturally Diverse Population Language assistance Key patient information brochures and documents Medical interpreters – phone and in person Interpreters for hearing impaired Staff training Patient rights Annual training for all staff Hospital employees with diverse backgrounds share personal stories, beliefs, values Spanish classes Reinforcement of importance at departmental/staff meetings, newsletters

Admission Assessment Cultural/spiritual practices that may impact hospital stay Special diet Primary language Special needs/assistance required Preferred learning method Highest educational level completed Barriers to education Methods to overcome barriers

Cultural Beliefs in Pregnancy: Hispanic Direct eye contact avoided with people in authority More traditional nuclear families Tend not to complain of pain—suffer through labor Many believe that prenatal care is not necessary; pregnancy is a natural condition Prefer spontaneous delivery Females assist during labor Most breastfeed

Cultural Beliefs in Pregnancy: Vietnamese Health based on harmony and balance within Very modest; avoid eye contact Highly family-oriented May nod head to acknowledge hearing, but may not understand or agree Birth is critical time for hot/cold balance Breastfeeding for one year is traditional; adhere to strict diet

Focusing on Population Health Disparities HIV Baton Rouge has highest rate in US in new HIV cases among females African American and Hispanic women are disproportionately affected compared with women of other races/ethnicities Mother-to-Child HIV Prevention Program Nurse case management for HIV/AIDS-infected pregnant women and their babies Funded through community support and individual gifts No HIV-positive babies have been born to a mother enrolled in our program

Focusing on Population Health Disparities Breastfeeding African American women have lower breastfeeding rates than other primary ethnic/race groups (CDC) Lack of understanding of importance Lack of support from families and friends Targeting specific neighborhoods, Woman’s provides education and support in churches, community centers, etc. Goal for exclusive breastfeeding is 42% Zip codes 70802, 70805, 70807