Provider's Guide to Quality and Culture

According to Management Sciences for Health (MSH), in the United States today, minorities - especially those of Arab and Muslim heritage - tend to receive lower-quality health care than whites do. This fact holds true even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable. The disparity is often a result of poor communication and cultural misunderstanding.

In order to address this problem, MSH has added an enhanced version of "The Provider's Guide to Quality and Culture" to its website. The material is intended to help inform US doctors about how they might better care for culturally diverse populations. Features include health-related information on the growing numbers of immigrants and refugees from Middle Eastern and Asian countries, with a special section on the health care needs of Muslims. The guide provides information meant to dispel myths, increase provider awareness, foster more trusting therapeutic relationships, and improve health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Features include Principles for Culturally Competent Health Care and a Self-Assessment Quiz.