Why is cultural competence important? Learn more about cultural competence and how important it is in the provision of healthcare
What Is Cultural Competency in Healthcare?
While there are varying interpretations of the term, this article will use the following cultural competence definition: A healthcare organization’s ability to provide care to patients with diverse backgrounds, values, customs, and languages. It also involves the practice of cultural humility recognizing one’s own lack of understanding and demonstrating openness to discover the important aspects of another person’s identity.
Cultural competence is founded on the desire to create a welcoming and accommodating environment. Above and beyond addressing discrimination, it’s important to take actionable steps to help patients and residents at long-term care facilities feel understood and valued. This requires facilities to implement thoughtful systems that provide personalized, responsive care.
Why is cultural competence important in healthcare?
In addition to making patients feel welcome and acknowledged, there are several other advantages to prioritizing cultural competence in healthcare. The first is improvements in patient safety and outcomes, which can be negatively impacted by a lack of cultural understanding.
An organization needs to be culturally competent so that the clients can best be served. Policies and practices that acknowledge the person-in-environment and the entire biopsychosocial make-up of the client, increase the likelihood of a comprehensive intervention and promote ethical practice. Continuous dialogue and education need to occur at all levels of an organization to improve health outcomes.
For example, if a patient originates from a culture from which there are language or cultural barriers to communication, staff may not be able to obtain consent for a needed procedure in a timely manner. Prioritizing cultural competence in day-to-day care could lead to improved outcomes for such a patient.
How to become culturally competent
Awareness/acceptance of the existence of diversity Understanding the effects of assumptions Self-awareness Knowledge of other cultures Interacting with others with a working knowledge of yourself and others.
Each organization faces unique needs based on the patients and residents they serve. Consider the following steps to improve patient safety and cultural competence training in healthcare
- Learn:
Explore the culture, language, and beliefs of the groups that your organization serves. Ask: “In what ways is it more difficult for diverse populations to receive quality care at our facility?” Conduct research to identify disparities in patient outcomes. - Acknowledge:
Respect patient diversity as important elements of their individual value systems. Affirm that quality care includes sensitivity to a patient’s unique needs. - Act:
Take steps to minimize disparities by implementing concrete changes to your organizational systems. Review your internal diversity and hiring practices to find ways to incorporate cultural diversity within your healthcare team. Engage in continuous reflection and new learning to ensure your facility is responding appropriately.
Instances of Cultural Competence in the Medical Field
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Example
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Scenario
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Monitor shifting demographics
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A hospital uses census data analysis on a regular basis to gain insight into the areas they serve. The hospital observes a steady shift in patient demographics, with more and more patients coming from multilingual backgrounds. |
| Make contact with neighborhood associations | The hospital uses this data to connect with neighborhood associations from the expanding patient base under its care. Hospital representatives ask cultural brokers or community leaders to help with the creation of educational materials. |
| Assist patients in utilizing the system | The hospital prioritizes the autonomy of its patients in utilizing the healthcare system. The target group’s patient results are regularly assessed, and websites are updated with pertinent information. |
| Provide staff learning opportunities | The hospital places a strong emphasis on patients’ autonomy in utilizing the medical system. Relevant information is updated on websites, and patient outcomes for the intended audience are regularly assessed. |
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the intended audience are regularly assessed.
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