Culturally Effective Pediatric Care

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes the need for culturally effective pediatric care by stating that “the needs of the pediatric population are influenced by factors relating to culture and ethnicity. Pediatricians must acquire the knowledge and practice skills that will allow them to: recognize and address culture and ethnicity; make valid assessments of clinical findings; provide effective patient management.”

Furthermore, the Academy recognizes the problem of increasing health disparities between children of ethnic and racial groups compared with white children, by stating that “for the pediatric population, social, racial, and ethnic barriers may perpetuate these disparities by preventing adequate access to care.”

In February 2008 the AAP Board of Directors approved a plan to address health disparities. The plan and more information about the AAP Agenda for Children Health Care Equity universal principle can be found on the AAP Strategic Plan interactive web pages on the AAP Member Center.

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Email: docbi@aap.org