Report examines nation’s growing diversity and implications for health care

A new American Hospital Association issue brief examines the nation’s growing racial and ethnic diversity, and the implications for health care as it strives to address disparities in health status and access to care. “Many providers are already highly experienced in treating patients from diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures,” notes the report, prepared for the AHA by Emily Friedman, a health policy analyst and adjunct assistant professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. “Others are probably only seeing the first signs of diversity. But whether the tide has already shifted or change is only a glint on the horizon, the ability of the health care system to adapt will be a huge factor in determining the future of the system.”

[ via AHA News ]