Healthcare Communication Tailored to the Health Needs of Alaska Natives and American Indians

Abstract

Healthcare in Alaska has been challenging throughout history due to the size of the state, the remoteness of Alaska Native villages, and the uniqueness of the different indigenous tribes. Numerous federal and national reports acknowledge that culturally sensitive healthcare can be achieved through partnership with patients and their families to meet the unique needs of each individual. Lack of congruent cultural communication with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have continuously put these vulnerable populations at the highest risk for adverse health outcomes. The participants for this culturally congruent educational session were healthcare providers that care for AI/AN patients in Anchorage, Alaska. Participants of the educational session included physicians, nurses, mid-level providers, and healthcare administrators. The assessment tool was a pre and post-survey that identified common themes such as a desire to learn more about AI/AN cultures and the lack of culturally congruent education. The results of the session post-survey indicated increased in participant perception and the knowledge of AI/AN culture and culturally congruent Patient and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) methods.