Cultural Competency - the need of the hour!

In the last decade, the United States has gone through significant changes in its demographic landscape. Our communities are more diverse now than ever before. It is realistic to predict that more than half the US population will be made up of people of color in the near future.

Statistics have shown a significant gap in the health and well-being of ethnic communities. This gap can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the culture of these communities in the context of providing critical services. Research has shown that while most people have difficulty navigating the US healthcare system, ethnic communities are particularly vulnerable for a variety of reasons. To successfully address these gaps, we need ways to integrate culturally competent services as the “norm” in our healthcare system.

What is Cultural Competence?

Let us first define culture and competence.

“Culture” is a unique blend of human behavior that includes the language, thoughts, actions, customs, beliefs, and institutions of racial, ethnic, social, and religious groups.

“Competence” means having the capacity to function effectively as an individual or an organization.

Simply stated, cultural competence is ability of providers or agencies to understand and respond effectively and sensitively to the cultural and linguistic needs of the clients they serve.

What are the benefits of providing culturally competent healthcare services?

When we create client-centered services, and focus on clients' needs and values, there are many benefits for us as providers and for our clients:

• We will make more effective use of our time with clients.
• Our patients will feel comfortable sharing the information we need to care for them properly.
• Our clients will be more likely to adhere to the medical and preventive advice we give them.
• We will build trust and mutual respect with our patients.
• Our clients will be more satisfied with the care we give them.
• Our practices will grow due to client referrals.
• Our patients will become healthier and get well quicker.

How can we become more culturally competent?

Here are some suggestions your agency may want to consider:

• Recruit and keep staff and board members representative of the communities you serve.
• Encourage and support ongoing training for all levels of staff -- management and board members.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations that work with diverse populations in your area.
• Make sure to provide interpreter services at no cost to the client.
• Get feedback from your clients about the materials you use and the way you explain things verbally.
• Analyze and change the way you provide services in order to better meet the needs of your clients.

The need for client-centered, culturally-competent services has been documented in detail. There are ways for us to make sure we learn more and more about how to better serve our clients. It's up to us as providers to get the training we need to better serve all our clients.

Need training in cultural competency?

• Call us at 1-800-428-5438. Ask for Veronica or Anita.
• Email us at training@cfhc.org to find out more about it.

Need easy-to-read health education materials in multiple languages?

• Check our online store for our multilingual materials.
• Call us at 1-800-428-5438 and ask for the Resource Center.
• Fill out a Resource Center request form online.

Want other websites on this topic?

Here are some links you might find helpful:

• The National Center for Cultural Competence www11.georgetown.edu/research/gucchd/nccc/
• Office of Minority Health – www.omhrc.gov
• Diversity Rx - www.diversityrx.org