Review
"This insightful and practical work should be required reading formanagers, physicians, nurses, allied health caregivers, and supportstaff, in order to overcome barriers to communication and change indealing with an increasingly complex patient and employee base. Ihighly Andorse this excellent book written by these outstandingauthors." (Donald R. Oxley, vice president and executive director,Kaiser Permanente)
"A superb and complete reference guide on cultural diversity. Thisbook provides insight into why health care providers do not reachtheir potential in differentiating themselves in the health caremarketplace. Should be read by all health care providers--a side ofhealth care that is all too often forgotten." (James T. Yoshioka,president, MedCenters Division)
"Managing Diversity in Health Care tackles a difficult topic thatcan no longer be considered optional for any health careprofessional. The authors have done an excellent job balancingtheory, facts, and statistics with an understanding of the'cultural software' we all possess. This book forces us, as healthcare professionals, to question the assumptions we have about ourpatients and offers concrete suggestions and resources for fightingagainst stereotypes in our work." (Kathryn Johnson, CEO, TheHealthcare Forum)
From the Inside Flap
Twenty percent of the physicians practicing in the United States are foreign trained. Minorities make up the majority population in six of the eight largest metropolitan areas within the United States. In California, Medi-Cal Managed Care providers are now required to give culturally appropriate and linguistically competent services. Yet, most health care professionals have little or no training on how to deal with the challenges of cultural diversity.Managing Diversity in Health Care offers professionals an essential handbook for learning to become more culturally sensitive and responsive to both coworkers and patients in order to deliver quality health care services. Written by Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe, two of the country's top experts in cultural diversity in the workplace, this vital resource explains how to build productive work relationships, deal with complex issues of prejudice and bias, and communicate effectively within an increasingly diverse health care setting.Chapter after chapter is filled with practical information, helpful suggestions, effective strategies, and models and checklists that are fundamental to creating a culturally competent health care organization. The book includes critical knowledge on a wide range of topics:? Common misunderstandings that often occur in a cross-cultural environment? Standards of privacy; the importance and criteria of status; beliefs about the body, healing, and dying; and other cultural factors that influence the health care experience? Culturally sensitive ways to solicit relevant information? Strategies for minimizing the negative effects of stereotyping? The seven essential steps for affecting long-term organizational change? Examples of real-life solutions implemented by health care organizations? A current listing of the most useful books, videos, articles, newsletters, and published training materials on the topic of diversityWith this book as a touchstone, staff at all levels?e
From the Back Cover
Twenty percent of the physicians practicing in the United States are foreign trained. Minorities make up the majority population in six of the eight largest metropolitan areas within the United States. In California, Medi-Cal Managed Care providers are now required to give culturally appropriate and linguistically competent services. Yet, most health care professionals have little or no training on how to deal with the challenges of cultural diversity.
Managing Diversity in Health Care offers professionals an essential handbook for learning to become more culturally sensitive and responsive to both coworkers and patients in order to deliver quality health care services. Written by Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe, two of the country?s top experts in cultural diversity in the workplace, this vital resource explains how to build productive work relationships, deal with complex issues of prejudice and bias, and communicate effectively within an increasingly diverse health care setting.
Chapter after chapter is filled with practical information, helpful suggestions, effective strategies, and models and checklists that are fundamental to creating a culturally competent health care organization. The book includes critical knowledge on a wide range of topics:
- Common misunderstandings that often occur in a cross-cultural environment
- Standards of privacy; the importance and criteria of status; beliefs about the body, healing, and dying; and other cultural factors that influence the health care experience
- Culturally sensitive ways to solicit relevant information
- Strategies for minimizing the negative effects of stereotyping
- The seven essential steps for affecting long-term organizational change
- Examples of real-life solutions implemented by health care organizations
- A current listing of the most useful books, videos, articles, newsletters, and published training materials on the topic of diversity
With this book as a touchstone, staff at all levels?executives and direct care providers?can acquire the adaptability, knowledge, and openness needed to create a productive and harmonious work environment and provide sensitive and caring health services to all their patients.
About the Author
ANITA ROWE Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe are partners in Gardenswartz and Rowe, a consulting firm specializing in management issues such as diversity, stress, and team development. They are the authors of Managing Diversity: A Complete Desk Reference and Planning Guide (1993).
