Defining Cultural Competence
How do you define "cultural competence?" After
reflecting, read the definitions offered by the following
organizations and individuals.
Move your mouse over each item. When
done, click the forward arrow to continue.
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This Section: ~20 min |
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| In 1994, the American Medical Association defined
cultural competence as:
The knowledge and interpersonal skills that allow
providers to understand, appreciate, and work with
individuals from cultures other than their own. It
involves an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences;
self-awareness; knowledge of the patient's culture;
and adaptation of skills.
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| Cultural and linguistic competence is the ability
of healthcare providers and healthcare organizations
to understand and respond effectively to the cultural
and linguistic needs brought by patients to the healthcare
encounter. As demographics shift and participation in
insurance programs changes, healthcare providers are
treating a more diverse clientele. As a result, interest
and demand increases for culturally and linguistically
appropriate services that will lead to improved outcomes,
efficiency, and satisfaction. The provision of culturally
and linguistically appropriate services is in the interest
of providers, policymakers, accreditation and credentialing
agencies, purchasers, patients, advocates, educators
and the general healthcare community.
Assuring Cultural Competence in healthcare: Recommendations
for National Standards and an Outcomes-Focused Research
Agenda. Final Report http://www.omhrc.gov/clas/po.htm
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| Dr. Josepha Campinha-Bacote defines cultural competence
as "the process in which the healthcare provider
continuously strives to achieve the ability to effectively
work within the cultural context of a client (individual,
family, or community)."
Campinha-Bacote, J. (1998). The process of cultural
competence in healthcare: A culturally competent model
of care. (3rd ed). Cincinnati: Perfect Printing Press.
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| Cultural competence is the ability "to respect
and to understand some of the nuances in the belief
systems of diverse peoples, especially about - but not
limited to - illness and disease. Physicians also need
to respect and to understand how different patients
handle decision-making within their own contexts, their
own families, their own traditions." (p. 10)
In Like, R. C., Betancourt, J. R., Kountz, D.S.,
Lu, F. G., & Rios, E. (Winter, 2001/2002) A Medical
Mosaic: Achieving Cultural Competency in Primary Care.
Feature Forum. American Journal of Multicultural Medicine,
Special Edition, 6-19.
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