ELO 2 – Enfocarse ACT: Learn to Use Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Optimally for Spanish- and English-Speaking Patients

Summary

This extended learning activity provides an introduction to the foundations of FACT and suggests adaptations of FACT to enhance its effectiveness with Latino patients. Latinos now comprise about 17% of the US population, and their access to service from Latino providers is limited, as about 5% of physicians are Latinos, and the percent of psychologist and social worker roles are 4% and 3% respectively. This workshop will provide guidance, video demonstrations, and skill practice exercises for all clinicians seeking to better serve Latino patients by using brief intervention techniques that enhance psychological flexibility.

Increasingly, members of the primary care team are attempting to improve their skills in brief interventions that will help them engage the diverse group of patients served in primary care. Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Focused ACT) is a brief intervention approach that is evaluated positively by patients with medical and psychological problems. Dissemination studies of Focused ACT delivered by primary care teams working in the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model have found it to be associated with health equity, equalizing both access to care and clinical outcomes of care for all members of a community. Many clinicians can learn the basics of Focused ACT in a day of training, and this workshop will provide didactic presentations, role play demonstrations, and opportunities to practice core skills. In addition to providing an introduction to FACT foundations, this workshop will suggest adaptations of FACT to enhance its effectiveness with Latino patients, who now comprise about 17% of the US population. Ideally, they would have access to Latino providers; however, about 5% of physicians are Latinos, and the percent of Latino psychologists and social workers are 4% and 3% respectively. This is a practical training program designed for all primary care clinicians. Its intention is not only to address the need to use the language clinicians speak optimally, but also to meet the needs of the growing group of Spanish-speaking patients suffering in the context of collapsing social structures, natural disasters, hostile immigration policies, and the pandemic. By focusing on values, families and quality of life, Focused ACT is readily accepted by a diverse group of patients with many differing problems. An introduction to

Focused ACT will empower clinicians to meet the needs of the large group of patients who are failing to thrive in this difficult moment on our planet.