Module 2

An active discussion is the key to an interesting and engaging online course. Discussion in this course is designed to simulate a classroom discussion. As others join in the discussion, you should read what has already been posted and add substantively to the discussion.

The modules in this course are one week. Time goes quickly, so post early! Get in the habit of checking the discussions as often as you can to see what others have posted and to respond. Waiting until the last day to post means you miss out on learning from your peers, and they miss out on learning from you.

Please think about each of the following questions and respond not only to the question but also to what others are saying. The first question is opinion-based so that you can begin the discussion immediately without having completed all your readings.

As you progress, you will need to meaningfully apply the readings. You will need to attribute your sources; however, APA formatting is only required for non-course assigned readings or videos.

In our first discussion this week, you will have a chance to talk with each other about what it means to be “culturally and linguistically appropriate” (CLAS) and what the consequences of this are for current and new entrants to the healthcare profession. Healthcare systems don’t become culturally and linguistically appropriate unless the people who make up these same systems embrace and embody the beliefs and behaviors that make this happen. Much of what we studied and discussed in module one about cultural identity and cultural humility applies directly to the goal of creating culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare systems and practices. Let’s move now to our first discussion and explore what all of this means to current and future healthcare professionals.

The first question in this discussion is opinion and experience-based, so you can begin immediately.

• Describe a healthcare interaction you have had, or you heard about from someone else, that you felt was not culturally and/or linguistically appropriate. What were some of the challenges experienced in this situation? What could the health provider have done differently to make this a more appropriate interaction?

For subsequent questions please meaningfully integrate your assigned module readings and videos. We will go through the questions one at a time.

• What was your reaction when you first read or heard the phrase “Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)? Many dedicated people worked for a long time to arrive at this specific description of this very important mandate to improve human health and wellness in the United States. Why do you think they chose the word “Appropriate” versus the previously used word “Competent? As you discuss this question, consider your own beliefs about what it means to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Also share how well CLAS matches your definition.
• Think of an individual or group in your workplace or community that you believe has a different cultural identity than you do. Imagine you are a health professional greeting this individual for the first time in your health practice. Share with your classmates what you would say when you first greet this person to convey cultural humility and begin to establish CLAS with them. Type this as if you are talking to this person and say what you would actually say to them.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on “Reply.” Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click “Post Reply.”

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.

This discussion will be graded using a rubric. Please review this rubric prior to beginning the discussion. You can view the rubric on the Course Rubrics page within the Start Here module. All discussions combined are worth 35% of your final course grade.

Completion of this discussion assesses the following outcomes:

• Examine barriers to creating a culturally sensitive healthcare experience for individuals from diverse cultures. (CO2)
• Analyze the use of culturally and linguistically appropriate services in health settings. (CO4)
• Examine the positive and negative implications of differing cultural beliefs in interactions between health providers and patients/consumers. (CO3)