As healthcare disparities among cultural minority groups persist in our country, culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) are increasingly recognized as an important strategy for improving quality of care to diverse populations. This e-learning program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to best serve all patients, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

The racial, ethnic, and socio-cultural diversity of patients, colleagues, and staff may challenge providers as they strive to deliver services. Cultural and linguistic differences may result in misunderstandings, a lack of compliance, or other consequences that negatively influence clinical situations (HHS OMH, 2013). In addition, personal factors can consciously or unconsciously influence how we interact with others. An awareness of these personal factors is an important component of cultural competency for providers. Becoming self-aware of one's own attitudes, beliefs, biases, and behaviors - and recognizing that they can impact patient care - can help providers improve their patients' quality of care, access to care, and health outcomes.