Multicultural Programs

Clinicians rely on communication and understanding to diagnose and treat patients. Language and cultural barriers present many challenges for health care providers working in diverse communities. This is especially important in Massachusetts, which is a federally-designated refugee resettlement area. To successfully treat patients, providers need to understand, respect, and acknowledge culture-specific differences, such as:

• Belief systems
• Health care traditions 
• Health care delivery systems

UMass Medical School's Center for Health Policy and Research offers a multitude of assessment, training, and other services designed to improve cultural awareness in the health care workforce.

Our work focuses on two key areas:

• Cultural awareness assessment and training
• Needs assessment
• Delivery systems
• Evaluation
• Medical interpreter services
• Assessment
• Training courses
• Document translation
• Interpreter services