Cultural Competency Success Stories

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

"Cultural Competency is of great importance to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as we look at why people struggle to navigate our complex health care system. Using Quality Interactions is an important part of our approach to helping our providers enhance the good work they do and contributing to the elimination of health disparities overall."

— Gretchen Nash, MA; Cultural Competency Provider Manager

Aetna

In September 2003, Aetna introduced the e-learning program to all of its clinical professionals to increase awareness of cultural disparities and improve the way the company assists members in navigating the health care system. To date, more than 95 percent of Aetna's 1,550 physicians and nurses have completed the training.

"The training immediately engages the user by providing information about thoughtful approaches to people working with various ethnic groups to better understand people's perceptions and expectations of the health care system," said Andrew Schuyler, M.D., Aetna senior medical director, northern New Jersey. Read full press release >

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Dr. Robert Mirsky, medical director, BCBSF, said Quality Interactions will be introduced this year to 2,800 contracted primary care physicians who provide services for a little more than one-third of the total BCBSF membership. It will be offered to specialists in 2006. "We're taking this program first to doctors we have designated our 'Recognized Physicians of Excellence', based on their committment to quality care and excellent service," Mirsky said. "They are among Florida's physician leaders and their experience with this type of continuing education program will be an important step toward improving the quality care for all Floridians." Read full press release >

Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center

Harvard Cancer Center is currently utilizing the Quality Interactions E-Learning Program — Oncology Version to train 400 Oncologists at four different hospital sites in Boston.