In the modern era, cultural competence is an increasingly prevalent conversation, and ever-important requirement, across a range of industries—and it is an essential pillar in delivering healthcare. Cultural competence embodies the ability of healthcare workers to understand, respect, and interact with people from various backgrounds. It is important to note that this concept is not static: cultural competence grows and changes with the needs of society and the interconnectedness of a global audience. Healthcare delivery should be something that is catered to the individual patient so it can meet the needs of everyone who walks through a clinic or hospital door, so considering the needs and values is vital to guarantee the highest standard of service. Anybody currently studying medicine would tell you the same, too: from BSN to FNP programs, to mental health degrees and doctorates, the academic world understands the real-world applications of cultural competence. This article will look at some of the ways that cultural competence can be introduced into practice and the potential benefits of educating healthcare providers to aid implementation.
Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication
First of all, cultural competence relies on active listening and an effective communication strategy. If you’re trying to guess your patient’s values or background rather than asking them, you could find yourself caught in an awkward or unprofessional situation. Think about how different cultures treat illness or express symptoms: some may prioritize holistic approaches, and others might want to get family members involved in their healthcare decisions. These are both perfectly valid ways to look at healthcare and understanding the nuance of these approaches can help you plan an individualized communication style with the patient.
If your patient speaks limited English, then using professional medical interpreters or visual aids can help manage gaps in communication. If language barriers and cultural contexts are understood, then nurses and doctors can create an environment where patients feel heard and respected. This has a couple of benefits: increasing trust between healthcare provider and patient and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or non-compliance which can lead to issues with treatment.
Improving Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction
When patients feel understood and valued, they are more likely to follow up and engage with their prescribed treatments. This makes sense: you wouldn’t want to go back to a healthcare provider that didn’t understand you or belittled you. For managing chronic conditions, this is where commitment to cultural competence can become incredibly important. Consider a patient with diabetes who belongs to a culture where dietary practices are deeply rooted in tradition. A culturally competent healthcare provider would ask about these practices and collaborate with the patient to develop a meal plan that aligns with their cultural preferences while still meeting dietary requirements for treatment. This personalized care enhances the provider-patient relationship and improves quality of life. This isn’t circumstantial, either: across the board, research shows that the more cultural competence there is in a healthcare environment, the more satisfied patients become. Satisfaction means that patients return to your clinic and listen to your advice, and it cannot be understated how important these two factors are for overall, long-term patient outcomes.
Reducing the Deficit: Tackling Bias and Disparities
Not all healthcare is created equal. Cultural competence seeks to bridge a gap for an issue that remains pertinent throughout many minority groups. Healthcare outcomes differ across different population groups, often due to systemic bias and cultural misunderstandings, and through cultural awareness, healthcare providers can identify and challenge some of these biases to reduce their impact on health outcomes. For example, a 2013 study showed patients from minority groups often received less pain management than their white counterparts due to systemic stereotyping prevalent in the medical field. Cultural competence is about addressing these issues and making sure that minority groups do not receive a lower quality of care because they are not white.
Cultural competence in healthcare is more than just a skill—it is a philosophy. Every day should be approached with respect for diversity and an appreciation for learning about the cultures of others. Nobody is an expert—but you can start by being a good listener, and asking the right questions at the right times. Healthcare is evolving in this diverse world, so the need for this competence will only increase.