Study explores top challenges for providing healthcare services to Hispanic population

A new study looked at what healthcare executives are doing to serve the U.S.’ emerging Hispanic population, including challenges, opportunities and strategies surrounding Hispanic healthcare. The research, commissioned by global management consulting firm North Highland and Modern Healthcare Custom Media, found that second to language barrier, hiring culturally competent staff is the next biggest challenge.

“More than 10 million Hispanic-Americans are eligible to gain health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This presents a huge opportunity for community engagement, population health management and financial success, but this does come with its own set of challenges, as our research found,” said Fletcher Lance, National Healthcare Lead for North Highland.

Executives also noted the importance of this market to their business, with 36 percent of respondents noting that increased access to the Hispanic population is a business priority for their organization, and 13 percent saying it will be in the next 12 to 24 months. While only half of respondents indicated Hispanic healthcare is a business priority, far more (84 percent) are taking steps to make their services more accessible to Hispanics.

“It’s great that providers recognize the importance of the Hispanic population, but cultural competence is more than being bilingual; it is how your organization represents itself that builds that relationship. There is a huge opportunity to move from standing still as a health system to moving out into the community,” said Dr. Ricardo Martinez, North Highland Chief Medical Officer.

For the full research results and for a summary of a recent roundtable discussion on “Emerging America: Engaging Hispanics in the U.S. Healthcare System,” visit North Highland Emerging America.