Cultural Competence in Epidemiological Field Work with Cultures in Flux: Romania

This article is a case study of conducting field -based epidemiological work in a former communist country. A brief background of Romanian history and culture is followed by discussion of the challenges of doing epidemiological science in a culture experiencing socio-political flux. In this former communist country where a common understanding of specific methods of epidemiological science and research ethics is not necessarily shared by both visiting and indigenous scientists, successful fieldwork depends on a high degree of understanding, sensitivity, and patience. The United States Department of Health and Human Services\u27 Office of Minority Health, OMH provides guidelines for culturally competent care that, while originally designed for use in patient-provider care settings, can provide insight and direction in the practice of epidemiological fieldwork. The OMH guidelines are provided, and they are discussed in relationship to fieldwork where appropriate