Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enable that system, agency or those professions to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Culture implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. Competence implies having the capacity to function effectively, according to the Cultural Competence Center at Georgetown University.
Deeper dive
Cultural competency is imperative in today’s diverse society. Health professionals and journalists must understand the effects of a patient’s culture on their interaction with the health care system and how people are portrayed in the media. This is especially important when it comes to older adults, and specifically, immigrant and refugee older adults. Their beliefs, traditions and influences must be addressed in a culturally competent manner and with sensitivity to avoid unintended negative consequences, according to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute.
For example, those from some cultures may mix herbal remedies with prescription and over-the-counter medications, without understanding potential side effects. Others may resist lifestyle changes because they interfere with family needs or traditional activities. Still others may feel a fatalistic sense about their health, or treat disease or death as the will of a “higher power,” rather than as something they have some control over.
Culturally and linguistically appropriate services are respectful of and responsive to the health beliefs, practices and needs of diverse patients. The percentage of Americans who are racial and ethnic minorities and who speak a primary language other than English continues to grow rapidly. The Office of Minority Health has a wealth of information on culturally and linguistically appropriate services, core competencies, language and other factors to help address disparities throughout the health care system. Also check out AHCJ’s Health Equity core topic for more information, resources and data on this issue.