Abstract

This guide targets health care organizations that provide patient care and evaluates how well the organization meets national cultural competence guidelines; provides a practical and easy, step-by-step guide to conduct and interpret a CLAS audit; and provides guidance on implementation of the CLAS Standards. The assessment section consists of six Institutional Audit Checklists arranged by topic areas, including: present and future patient demographics; present staff demographics; assessment of leadership; evaluation of current actions to enhance cultural and linguistic competence; patient/community access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care; and community involvement, input and support. The Institutional Audit Checklists are one section of a multi-part guide, which includes the following modules: rationale for CLAS; conducting and interpreting a cultural self-audit; strategic planning; delivering effective, understandable, and respectful care; promoting diversity throughout the organization; providing language access services; ongoing staff training; developing partnerships with community organizations; and the annual self-assessment and evaluation. Each module includes checklists, forms, and syllabi with instructions for use and interpretation of results.

Go to 'A Practical Guide for Implementing the Recommended National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Healthcare'
Contributed on 7/26/2010