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Cultural Competency: A Journey

Author: Hart, Katherine
Date Published: 199?


This publication summarizes the evolving experiences of community programs affiliated with the Health Resources and Services Administrations, Bureau of Primary Health Care providing services to culturally diverse populations. It reflects a growing need to provide culturally and linguistically accessible health services to an increasingly diverse national population. In just 30 years from now, 40% of Americans will belong to ethnic and cultural groups that are not predominately European in origin. People who were once considered to be minorities will become emerging majorities. Professionals devoted to the promotion of health and the prevention, early intervention, and treatment of acute and chronic diseases and associated disorders need to equip themselves to respond to the major demographic changes that we are experiencing. As healers devoted to the well-being of the communities with which we serve, we need to assure 100% access and zero health disparities for all of the people we serve. An understanding of culturally and linguistically competent principles, policies, and practices is vital for all members of our healing professions. There are many definitions of cultural competence. The following definition contains essential principles that are helpful for all providers to assimilate and put into practice: A set of attitudes, skills, behaviors and policies that enable organizations and staff to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. It reflects the ability to acquire and use knowledge of the health-related beliefs, attitudes, practices and communication patterns of clients and their families to improve services, strengthen programs, increase community participation, and close the gaps in health status among diverse population groups. Cultural competence also focuses its attention on population-specific issues including health-related beliefs and cultural values (the socioeconomic perspective), disease prevalence (the epidemiological perspective), and treatment efficacy (the outcome perspective).

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Number of Pages: 20