Healthcare trailblazers,

Over the last 15 years, on my adventures as a health tech entrepreneur and working with multiple healthcare organizations, I’ve encountered a wide array of questions.

Interestingly, this particular question has consistently been the second most common one.

Yes, you read that right – SECOND.

The top spot goes to “Can you help me translate this?”

These questions have come from a wide range of professionals, from executives running million-dollar health organizations to project managers struggling with daily challenges, all in search of clarity and assistance.

This time, however, let’s focus on the SECOND ONE to learn how to address my compadres and comadres in my community.

Yes, this is very important.

Learning the respectful way to address someone is a matter of understanding and courtesy, not just personal choice.

In fact,

• It’s a matter of cultural competence, respect, and inclusivity, pillars that define the future of healthcare. Choosing between ‘Hispanic,’ ‘Latino,’ or ‘LatinX’ is more than a matter of preference. It is about cultural competence, respect, and inclusivity.

Here are my usual three insights, two actionable steps, and a piece of advice, all designed to help you enhance your approach to healthcare inclusivity.

Three Insights to Chew on 🌶️

1. The term Hispanic(s)

Hispanics refer to individuals with cultural or ancestral ties to Spanish-speaking countries. They embody the essence of the classic tortilla: foundational, versatile, integral, and full of culinary traditions.

This term spans a spectrum of cultures, traditions, and histories, covering an expansive geography from the beautiful streets of Madrid to the vibrant communities of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Just so you know, when it comes to healthcare, invoking the term “Hispanic” serves as a nod to the linguistic commonalities that bind these diverse populations together, offering a sense of unity and shared heritage.

However, it’s crucial to approach this term with a nuanced understanding.

While “Hispanic” connects individuals through the Spanish language, it may not fully embrace the complete array of distinct identities, experiences, and cultural nuances that flourish within the community.

These identities come from a mix that includes native traditions, African influences, European colonization, and the effects of globalization today, each adding its unique parts to the overall culture.

Now, so that you know.

​

• In healthcare settings, the use of “Hispanic” as a descriptor can be both a bridge and a barrier.

​

It can foster a sense of belonging and shared identity among patients. Yet, it also poses the risk of oversimplification, potentially overlooking the intricate variations in cultural identity, health beliefs, and practices within this broad label.

In brief, as a healthcare trailblazer, it’s essential to recognize the depth and diversity that the term “Hispanic” encompasses.

This involves acknowledging the common linguistic heritage and valuing the individual and collective stories, struggles, and strengths that contribute to the health and well-being of “HISPANIC” communities.

2. The Term Latin@

Latino refers to individuals from the vibrant and diverse regions of Latin America, including Brazil but notably excluding Spain.

Picture it as the lively salsa that enriches a meal with depth and vibrancy.

The term “Latino” encompasses a broad range of cultures, languages, and histories, highlighting a shared heritage that goes beyond the Spanish language, capturing a collective identity enriched by experiences.

Now, when it comes to healthcare settings.

Acknowledging “Latino” as an identity marker goes beyond mere recognition of geographical origins. It acknowledges the rich cultural narratives and experiences that individuals bring to the table.

​

• This acknowledgment is crucial in healthcare, where empathy and understanding are highly valuable and key.

​

It suggests a shift towards a healthcare environment that is not only aware of cultural differences but also celebrates them, enhancing patient care by recognizing the diverse factors that influence the health and well-being of Latino patients.

Also, embracing “Latino” in healthcare communication and practice encourages a nuanced understanding of the unique health beliefs, dietary habits, and family dynamics within this community throughout our country.

Just so you are aware.

This approach fosters a more inclusive and communicative healthcare environment, signaling to Latino patients that their cultural identity is recognized and valued.

It underlines the importance of culturally sensitive care plans and health education to improve accessibility and engagement with Latino populations.

In short.

Incorporating “Latino” into healthcare narratives signifies a commitment to diversity and tailored care, ensuring that healthcare practices not only address but also celebrate the cultural richness of Latino patients.

By doing so, healthcare trailblazers or direct providers can offer more empathetic, effective, and culturally competent health services, reinforcing the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural nuances that shape patient experiences and health outcomes.

3. The Term LatinX

LatinX is a contemporary, gender-neutral alternative to the known traditional terms Latino and Latina, offering a fresh perspective on language that embraces inclusivity and diversity.

It is an open invitation for individuals who don’t neatly fit into the conventional gender categories, signaling a progressive shift towards acknowledging different identities.

Employing the term “LatinX” in healthcare communications clearly demonstrates an open-minded and respectful approach toward all patients, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each person’s unique identity.

In healthcare settings, adopting “LatinX” goes beyond simple terminology.

It is, in fact, a commitment to creating an environment where every patient feels welcomed, understood, and, of course, valued.

This same commitment is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and building trust between healthcare providers and patients, which is a foundational and effective aspect of healthcare delivery.

Now, by incorporating this “LatinX” term into everyday scenarios, healthcare professionals can communicate their readiness to provide care that respects and honors all patients’ identities, regardless of how they identify.

Moreover, this inclusive approach can significantly enhance patients’ healthcare experiences. Of course, it is important to ensure everyone can access healthcare in a setting that acknowledges and celebrates their identity.

​

• This is not just about using the correct terms; it’s about showing genuine respect and understanding the diverse experiences of the people we serve.

​

To conclude this point, you’ll have to be aware that using the term “LatinX” in healthcare is a powerful step towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and respectful healthcare system, one that signals a huge commitment to acknowledging the known and rich diversity of identity.

Two Actionable Steps to Take On 🌮

1. Recruit and retain a diverse workforce

You guess that right.

One of the most effective ways to ensure healthcare services are Hispanic-friendly is to hire individuals who understand the complexity of the terms Hispanic, Latino, and LatinX and personally resonate with and, of course, represent these identities.

If you are curious, as of 2024, you have not hired an individual with these characteristics. I have to admit that you have a problem, but let us not discuss this here 

But here is the truth. This step goes beyond mere awareness of these particular terms.

In fact.

It’s about bringing lived experiences, linguistic capabilities, and cultural sensitivities directly into healthcare. A diverse workforce can tremendously offer insights and perspectives that might be overlooked, enhancing patient care through deeper empathy and understanding.

With this in mind, here is what you need to have to move forward.

​

• Actively recruiting healthcare professionals from Hispanic, Latino, and LatinX backgrounds for various roles within the organization, from clinical positions to leadership roles. And, yes, I did say leadership positions.

​

• Develop mentorship and career advancement programs that support the professional growth of Hispanic, Latino, and LatinX employees within healthcare organizations.

​

• Create a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring employees from all backgrounds are respected, their contributions are valued, and their voices are heard.

​

Please take this into account.

Incorporating diverse perspectives into healthcare teams enriches the entire healthcare ecosystem, making it more responsive and attuned to the needs of Hispanic, Latino, and LatinX patients.

This proactive step is a powerful way to demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity and health equity.

2. Personalize Communication Practices

Adapt healthcare practices to acknowledge and respect patients’ cultural identity, beginning with preferred terminology.

Here is this to follow.

​

• Revise Patient Intake Forms: Update forms to include options for “Hispanic,” “Latino,” and “LatinX,” and provide an option for patients to self-describe their identity in their terms. This step acknowledges the spectrum of identities and respects individual preferences.

​

• Enhance Patient Communication: Train staff to use the patient’s preferred term in all verbal and written communications, including conversations, documentation, and informational pamphlets.

​

• Implement Feedback Mechanisms: Establish a system where patients can provide feedback on how well their cultural identity and preferences are respected within the healthcare setting. Use this feedback to continuously improve and tailor care.

​

• Create Inclusive Health Education Materials: Develop both language-accessible and culturally inclusive health education and promotional materials, using imagery and terminology that reflect the diversity of the communities served.

​
​

Here is one great example from one of my favorite teams that makes healthcare Hispanic-friendly: Zocalo Health.

They communicate in a way that only a “Hispanic, Latino, or LatinX individual could understand and will enjoy seeing.

(Examples highlighted with red and yellow).

Lastly, by implementing these steps, healthcare organizations can create an environment that is culturally sensitive and deeply respectful of each patient’s identity.

This approach fosters trust, improves patient engagement, and enhances the overall quality of care by ensuring that healthcare services are delivered in an inclusive way and affirming the patient’s cultural identity.

One Piece of Advice to Cherish 💃

I’m about to ‘spill the tea,’ as my daughter often says during our morning rides to school.

In the healthcare sector, recognizing and valuing patients’ cultural identities is not just a matter of good practice; it’s absolutely essential.

As professionals, our ability to connect with and provide care hinges on our understanding and respect for the unique cultural perspectives of those individuals we mainly serve.

We must actively engage with them to understand their preferred cultural identifiers and consistently use these terms in all healthcare interactions.

This approach goes beyond mere respect for diversity.

It acknowledges the pivotal role of cultural heritage and personal identity in healthcare, fostering an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, valued.

Truly embracing this level of cultural sensitivity raises the standard of care we provide.

It contributes to a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment, which is, ultimately, exactly what we’re all striving for.

Conclusion 🤝🏽

The essence of providing culturally sensitive healthcare lies in respecting and valuing our patients’ diverse backgrounds. We recognize that ‘Hispanic,’ ‘Latino,’ and ‘LatinX’ carry unique connotations for different individuals.

The reality is that the best term to use is the one that each patient prefers, a principle that underscores the importance of personal identity in healthcare.

This approach affirms the dignity of those we serve and enriches our practice, guiding us toward a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.

Sooo, let’s commit to this standard of care, where every patient feels seen, heard, and respected according to their cultural identity and preferences.

Hasta la próxima, mis amigos 

Let’s taco ‘bout this edition!

🌮🌮🌮  Hungry for more.

🌮🌮  Ate elsewhere.

🌮  Don’t like tacos.