What We Want to Achieve Through Systems Changes

Patient-Centered Care: Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors

Health behaviors and beliefs are shaped by cultural and socioeconomic factors. It is extremely important, therefore, that diabetes treatment recommendations be responsive to the culture of the individual being treated if they are to be effective. Health systems need to accommodate varying patient preferences and encourage patients to actively participate in their own disease management. 2

Developing an awareness of and appropriate responses to cultural differences can improve the effectiveness of patient-provider relationships. For more information click here for Cultural Competencies.

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