Contextual factors in US-Mexico border health professions education

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to identify the significant factors that must be addressed in health professions education to prepare students for contextually responsive practice. Methods: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 18 participants: five teaching faculty, nine who served in leadership roles in higher education, and four community practitioners. The participants identified contextual factors that need to be addressed for contextually responsive practice. Results: Health care professionals must be cognizant of cultural factors that limit cross-cultural communication and trust between providers and patients, as well as understand the structural and systemic factors that impact health such as income, employment, lack of insurance, lack of transportation, the role of social determinants of health, and the lack of healthcare access.