Perceptions of health system orientation: Quality, patient centeredness, and cultural competency

Brooke A. Cunningham, Jill A. Marsteller, Max J. Romano, Kathryn A. Carson, Gary J. Noronha, Maura J. McGuire, Airong Yu, Lisa A. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

As part of a pragmatic trial to reduce hypertension disparities, we conducted a baseline organizational assessment to identify aspects of organizational functioning that could affect the success of our interventions. Through qualitative interviewing and the administration of two surveys, we gathered data about health care personnel's perceptions of their organization's orientations toward quality, patient centeredness, and cultural competency. We found that personnel perceived strong orientations toward quality and patient centeredness. The prevalence of these attitudes was significantly higher for these areas than for cultural competency and varied by occupational role and race. Larger percentages of survey respondents perceived barriers to addressing disparities than barriers to improving safety and quality. Health care managers and policy makers should consider how we have built strong quality orientations and apply those lessons to cultural competency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)559-579
Number of pages21
JournalMedical Care Research and Review
Volume71
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 29 2014

Keywords

  • cultural competency
  • health care disparities
  • organizational culture
  • patient-centered care
  • primary health care
  • quality of healthcare

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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