A qualitative project with primary aim  to identify the patient's degree of satisfaction with their current medical care, and secondary goal was to assess the provider’s level of cultural competence.

Cultural competence is an important aspect of patient care and is something physicians and providers must be aware about these differences to be able to provide the best individualized care for patients.

A modified survey was created for providers and patients in an outpatient neurology clinic. Data was collected anonymously and deidentifying information from patients or physicians. Data of cross-sectional survey analysis was performed for patterns about patients regarding their care and their physicians’ level of competence. 

There were twenty-two patient’s surveys collected, including white, black/African American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino. About 61% of patients felt physician understand cultural differences. A 78% of patients think their physicians have the skill set necessary and asked appropriate questions. A 90.9% liked there overall experience during the encounter and 91.3% felt their preferences were considered. 

There were nine providers responses. A 78% of providers felt somewhat prepared in caring for patients from culturally diverse backgrounds, 56% felt somewhat prepared in caring for patients with limited English proficiency. A 78% felt it is important for health professionals to receive training in cultural diversity and/or multicultural health care. While the majority, 67% felt that little training was received during residency. 

Majority of patients felt very satisfied with ongoing care received. However, providers in general felt less knowledgeable, without the appropriate skills needed and only somewhat prepared regarding taking care of patients who are of different cultural backgrounds. Future goals include to enhance cultural competency training specifically to neurological conditions and have lecture series to enhance specific topics that physicians do not feel adequately prepared at this time.