What does cultural "competence" mean? Certainly no one can become familiar with all cultural health beliefs held by the diverse populations in the U.S. Remember also that, 1] cultures change, so understanding health and healing beliefs is an ongoing process, and 2] not every person in a society holds exactly the same beliefs.
Becoming culturally competent contributes to effective program development, and helps providers ask relevant questions to ensure the best health care outcomes possible - while helping to avoid potentially harmful misunderstandings.
- Examine your own knowledge and assumptions related to cultural competence and providing the best quality health care.
- Begin to learn cultural beliefs about health and healing held by many different groups represented in just the Seattle area alone.
- How can cultural awareness influence clinical outcomes?
- The IOM documented how the lack of cultural competence across the U.S. health care system is one factor that contributes to health disparities and Unequal Treatment of patients.
- Check out exciting new programs and training approaches that assist in developing culturally competent care.