SFNS Cultural and Linguistic Competency WorksheetAs you determine the needs for your program, consider the categories and questions below:DemographicsConsider your patient population:• What cultures, races, languages, socioeconomicstatuses, and sexual identities are represented?

Differences in DiseaseIn certain populations:• Is there a higher prevalence of disease?• Does the disease present differently?• Are there particular diagnoses commonly seen?• Are there considerations and recommendations for treatment and management?• Are there prognosis trends?

Cross Cultural IssuesIn certain populations:• Are there customs?• Styles of communication?• Social stressers?• Mistrust?

Illness and TreatmentIn certain populations, what are the:• Beliefs about illness?• Non-western treatment beliefs?• Beliefs about death and dying?

General and Medical LiteracyIn regards to the patient:• How important is it to understand the diagnosis and treatment?• Are there accessible resources?• What barriers might there be in understanding the diagnosis and treatment and resources (pharmacy information, patient handouts,etc.)?

Communicating InformationIs there a need to:• Use an interpreter?• Give the patient a visual aid or diagram?

How to communicateFor certain populations:• Are there strategies and suggestions for talkingto the patient and/or caregiver?

Social contextIs the patient’s diagnosis and care impacted by:• Socioeconomic issues?• Previous health care experience?• Immigration?

PreconceptionsFor certain populations:• Are there prevalence, diagnosis or treatmentstereotypes and assumptions that may misguide the clinician?