Plain Talk about Providing Healthcare to Plainclothes Populations
Introduction
As their numbers grow in Wisconsin, signs of old order Amish families have become familiar. Black horse-drawn buggies, woodworking shops and Amish food and cheese shops are more common and we may feel we know or understand this culture. 
In this case, familiarity must not be confused with understanding, especially as we strive to provide effective, economical healthcare to this unique cultural group in our midst. To members of these close-knit communities everyone living outside of the community is called “English”. The first section of this monograph considers the assumptions we English often hold regarding people who dress simply. A brief reference guide to providing healthcare to plainclothes people follows. The remaining sections provide expanded information on recommendations for health professionals, additional background about cultural barriers to care, and unique healthcare needs of this population.
- Plain Talk for Babies Home
- Introduction
- Assumptions
- Guidelines and Considerations for Providing Care
- Healthcare Issues of Plainclothes People
- Fact Sheet
- References and Resources
Credits
The information in this guide was compiled by
Linda Gleason, MS, RD
and
Sandy van Calcar, MS, RD
Waisman Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
2007
Funding for development and printing was provided by a grant from the
March of Dimes, Wisconsin Chapter.
We are grateful for the expert consultation of Jane Peterson, CPM, LM,
Gretchen Spicer, CPM, LM and Richard Dawley, MA.