Handbook Guide to Cultural Competence in Healthcare
Introduction
Welcome to our website, which is dedicated to improving cultural competence in healthcare within the St. Louis region. As a diverse metropolitan area in the United States, St. Louis is home to a rapidly growing foreign-born population. Our mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the diverse communities they serve, fostering understanding and improving health outcomes for all. Through training, resources, and community connections, we empower healthcare professionals to engage effectively with patients from various cultural backgrounds.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.
Background
St. Louis is home to the third fastest-growing foreign-born population among major U.S. metros, with an increase of 5,640 individuals (4.1%) from 2017 to 2018, totaling 141,894 as of 2019 (https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2019-10-10/st-louis-region-has-third-fastest-growing-foreign-born-population-among-major-metros). This diverse community includes immigrants, refugees, and international students from countries like India, Mexico, China, and more (https://stacker.com/missouri/st-louis/biggest-sources-immigrants-st-louis). With this rich mixture of cultures comes the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare. Research shows that enhancing cultural competence among healthcare professionals significantly improves communication and patient outcomes (https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-019-3959-7). Our initiative connects healthcare providers with diverse individuals, fostering relationships that promote understanding and respect. Through cultural workshops, eLearning, and interpreter training, we equip providers with essential skills. Studies indicate that these programs lead to improved knowledge, skills, and patient satisfaction.Join us in creating a healthcare environment in St. Louis that is inclusive and culturally competent. Together, we can ensure that every patient receives the compassionate care they deserve. Welcome to a community where every voice matters.
Our Team

Minh Pham (M4)
Team Leader

Kaitlynn Borik (M4)
Team Leader

Joel Jihwan Hwang (M1)
Team Member

Laurine Shoki (M1)
Team Member

Donald Chow (M2)
Team Member

Abhinav Rajasekhar (M2)
Team Member

Yeleung Leini Hwang
Team Member

Our Future Plan
Short Term Plan Send out cultural profiles to respective health care professionals for final review Physicians, nurses, social workers, and professors both from SLU and outside of SLU Reviewed for verification and further suggestions Creation of cultural handbook/website with standardize format and graphic design link to sample Project leads transition
Long Term Plan Longevity: Integrate the project onto the Global Health Distinction website for the longevity of the project Distribution and Integration: Integrate our handbook into public health courses at SLU SOM (e.g., Medicine and Society and Clinical Interviewing) Collaborate with the Diversity and Inclusion Department at SLU and create yearly updates on website and cultural profiles. Collaborate with local clinicals by distributing our Global Health project pamphlets