Through our studies this quarter, we find that developing a culturally competent organization is a continuous and evolving process.

This discussion asks you to anticipate future trends and new challenges.

Consider and respond to the following questions:

How important are cultural and linguistic competencies to achieving DHHS Healthy People 2010 goal, "eliminate health disparities"? Talk about several of the disparities mentioned in this report.

What changes or impacts do you envision with future regulatory environments in health care?

As a health care leader, what twenty-first century workforce skills do you anticipate will be necessary to deliver quality health care to meet the shifting patient demographics?

Describe the importance of understanding stakeholders such as individuals, groups, and communities?

As a learner having almost completed this course, what one major change do you anticipate? How will it affect effective communication or the care continuum?

Response Guidelines

Read the posts of your peers and respond to at least two. Develop and present follow-up questions or supporting statements that may help clarify a classmate's perspective.