Disparities among African Americans in Healthcare

African Americans are the leading racial population in national vital statistics analysis systems that have consistently reported higher occurrences in infant and adult mortality and negative health outcomes on a yearly basis. Federally funded hospitals must abide by the national culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) standards, however, African Americans still lack equitable services and as a result experience disparities in healthcare. Nursing theorist, Jean Watson, supports holism of care and promoting the acceptance of expressing positive and negative feelings. Research studies have shown that facilities lack cultural competence training, as well as strong correlations between patient-provider communication and the ability of an African American to trust and continue pursuing care. Cultural competence not only applies directly to providers, like physicians and nurses, but also ancillary and accessory healthcare professionals like receptionists, therapists, and patient care assistants. As a means to incorporate change based on theoretical framework, current policies, and evidence, two policies have been devised that address significant aspects of cultural competence that affects African Americans largely. The change in policy is applicable for implementation in all department levels that operate under an institution of healthcare