Describe the value of knowing the community demographics being served

Community Demographics

Community demographics are continually changing but understanding the 'community of patients' allows providers to better communicate throughout all phases of care. By 2050, today’s minorities will become the majority in the United States. One million immigrants enter the United States coming from every continent, their ability to speak and understand English varies from minimal to fully fluent. Five generations now currently interact in the workplace. These generations have different cultural frameworks, communications skills and work styles. Under-represented groups form almost 34% of the total US population, yet the healthcare workforce has not kept up with these changing demographics, For example physicians from under-represented groups make up only about 7% of the current workforce, nurses 3% and pharmacists 3%. This creates the potential for significant communication and cultural barriers. Changing family demographics are also influencing the patient population experience in healthcare settings from ethnically or racial mixed and same-sex couples, to stay-at-home dads and grandparents as caregivers.

Value of Knowing Community Demographics

Understanding cultural differences will improve communication and impact patient experience. Providers can staff or create a culture around community demographics (i.e. greater Hispanic population may warrant increased staffing to match demographic). Understanding technological differences in the community allow providers to adapt communication methods (i.e. does not make sense to use web-based tools in a community that is not skilled in this realm). Understanding Socio-Economic demographics in the community will aid providers with in-hospital and post admission care. Increased patient satisfaction will develop community around care facilities.