PP05       Title: Integration of Cultural Diversity in Case Management Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008 Time: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Type: POSTER Level: ADVANCED Track: - Sponsor(s): - Speaker(s): Catherine Deirdre Bershtein; Robin Elaine Dobbins The Institute of Maryland (IOM) report has identified and documented that there are racial disparities in health care regardless of socio-economic factors, such as insurance coverage and/or income. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is committed to closing this gap. The CareFirst Case Management department is exploring opportunities to provide effective healthcare for members by addressing cultural preferences and/or physical limitations (i.e., hearing/or visual impairment). To most effectively meet the needs of members, CareFirst has established the following goals: • Ninety percent of Case Management clients to have an assessment and plan of care based on cultural diversity needs by December 31, 2007. • Seventy-five percent of returned Member Satisfaction Surveys will address how effectively patients feel case managers addressed their health care needs and plans of care according to their cultural preferences and/or limitations by December 31, 2008. CareFirst assessed baseline cultural competency through pre- and post-survey questions that were initially based on education. The assembled task force created four assessment questions and a plan of care determined by the review of current evidence-based literature. Initially, the format of the assessment questions regarding language and cultural needs were not extremely effective. Objectives: Ability to understand the dynamics of cultural diversity and its significance on our membership in promoting consistency and equity of care through evidence-based guidelines.   To identify integral criteria necessary for inclusion in a case management nursing assessment.   Ability to research and locate appropriate resources to increase awareness and cultural competency to provide optimal plan of care.   Understanding and retention of several specific scenarios that dealt with culturally sensitive issues that may be addressed in a future plan of care.