Abstract: It has been noted that if cultural competence is better understood by health care practitioners, the health care received by those who are culturally different will improve. The health care industry is expanding the awareness of cultural differences across many of its educational and professional areas. Through this process, practitioners will be able to better evaluate and treat their patients and patients will have a better understanding of the steps they can take to aid in their healthcare.
Cultural competence is a commitment to learn about those who are different from oneself. It includes the ability to associate with others who are different in a comfortable manner and speak with them with ease, despite differences in ethnicity and cultural and language. The people of other cultures may be quite different from oneself. This willingness to interact with people who are different is an ongoing process as there is always something new that can be learned about others. When discussing an organization’s cultural competence it needs to begin with the uppermost level within the organization, such as the board of directors or executive director and work down to the staff. Sharing and learning about other cultures includes embracing differences in thoughts and actions, language, manners, roles of the individuals, as well as the differences in customs, beliefs, and values .
There are numerous barriers that work to defeat cultural competency. Bias and socio-economic status are two of the most prominent barriers in United States society. Past history from previous generations sometimes impacts people by creating bias against a group of people. Sometimes the bias is deliberate and the individual is aware that it exists and other times a person may not be aware that the bias is present as it is subconscious. In the United States, two groups that experience both types of bias include African Americans and Native Americans. The white society mistreated these groups for generations. Even though it has been illegal to do so for generations now, these groups are still not treated equally by many white Americans. Based on discrimination from the past, these groups are still mistrusted by many members of the majority society today, with no just reason. In regards to socio-economic status, people with higher status often feel superior to those of lower status. This feeling of superiority may not be conscious, but frequently influences one’s decisions.
In order for cultural competence to be recognized and accepted as the normal behavior of a new generation, the school setting is the best place to implement a policy of tolerance. In creating a plan to teach cultural competency there are five areas that should be incorporated into the curriculum. Value diversity needs to be recognized, understood, and accepted. Students need to be able to assess their own self-assessment on how they value those of different cultures. Teaching a system of accepting the dynamics of different cultures when they interact will help resolve issues of tolerance. Sharing cultural knowledge from primary sources when possible will help increase perceptions and respect of those who are different. Willingness to accept differences in values of different cultures is essential. If these five elements are included in the teaching, and integrated into daily classroom instruction throughout a child’s education, some of the barriers that exist will be diminished .
It is important for professionals in health care to be aware of and practice cultural competence. Regardless of a person’s race, language, culture, or ethnicity quality health care is a right for all to receive. The United States is diverse and this diversity continues to evolve. Practitioners need to be able to listen to patients’ explanation of symptoms, which may vary due to cultural influences. Language barriers need to overcome as a part of this process. Successful communication increased following of medical instructions and better self-care by the patient. Patient-centered care helps patients improve their health and maintain a more active life .
I need to be aware of the differences between myself and those who are different culturally from me. I need to ensure that I am not biased against them in my thoughts and actions. I should be aware of any issues that I have with those that are different and work to resolve them. Most importantly, I should continuously strive to treat others as I would treat anyone who is similar to me.
References
Betancourt, J. R. (n.d.). Cultural competence and health care disparities: Key perspectives and trends. Retrieved from Institute for Health Policy: Massachusetts: http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/24/2/499.full
King, M. A. (n.d.). How is cultural competence integrated in education? Retrieved from Communities at Risk: http://cecp.air.org/cultural/Q_integrated.htm
What is cultural competency? (n.d.). Retrieved from Cultural Competency and Health: http://culturalcompetencyandhealth.ca/culturalcompetency/definition/
