Culturally responsive psychosocial interventions in hospital settings are essential for addressing the diverse needs of patients and promoting equitable behavioral health outcomes. This presentation explores a patient-centered approach to developing and implementing hospital-based psychosocial interventions that are both culturally attuned and clinically effective. It will draw on principles of participatory design and community-based engagement and over 30 years of experience with the Nia Project, a program for Black women who have histories of interpersonal violence and suicide attempts. Through the Nia Project, Dr. Kaslow and colleagues have been actively involving patients as co-creators in the intervention process—from initial conceptualization through implementation and evaluation.
The presentation will outline strategies for fostering meaningful patient engagement, including focus groups, patient community meetings, and community advisory boards that reflect the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of the patients to be served. Case examples will be highlighted in which patient input led to significant adaptations in intervention content, delivery methods, and provider training, resulting in improved patient satisfaction, trust, and clinical outcomes.
Special attention will be given to the role of cultural humility among healthcare providers and the integration of culturally grounded practices. The presentation also will address institutional barriers to culturally responsive care and offer practical recommendations for embedding these interventions within healthcare systems.
By centering the voices of patients and recognizing the cultural contexts that shape their experiences, this approach not only enhances the relevance and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions but also fosters a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and frameworks to engage patients in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of culturally responsive care and to advocate for systemic change within their healthcare systems.