Integrating culturally competent strategies into health care practice

Abstract

Providing culturally competent practice can potentially reduce disparities in racial and ethnic health outcomes. By integrating practices traditionally used by diverse populations, and after determining the safety of their integration with standard practice, improved health outcomes are possible because all parties have been involved with designing the plan of care. Cultural variations in beliefs and practices regarding health promotion and the prevention and treatment of illness are presented. To illustrate these cultural differences, three clinical practice topics are used as examples: maternity care, pain management, and traditional or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Cross-cultural skills of cultural assessment and mutual decision-making are discussed to guide providers when engaging and negotiating with patients and their families who adhere to diverse explanatory models of health and illness. Examples of how health-care providers can adapt their care are included. One comprehensive cultural assessment tool is provided.