More hospitals are hiring “cultural concierges” to develop a firmer understanding of patients’ various cultural sensitivities, according to a Chicago Tribune report.
The new position is more far-reaching than employed language interpreters, according to the report. For instance, a cultural concierge at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., continues her work as a nurse practitioner while also serving as an advocate for Korean patients. She educates hospital staff on Korean beliefs while reaching out to members of the Korean community who may be hesitant about visiting American hospitals.
Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago has also designated advocates for its Russian, Polish and Vietnamese patient populations. Weiss officials say the program makes business sense, since hospitals should reflect the communities in which they deliver care.
Read the Chicago Tribune report on hospitals and cultural concierges.
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