Cultural Competence Essentials

Introduction

• Cultural competence: ability to deliver equitable, effective care across diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
• Increasing diversity in society ➔ clinicians must navigate varied patient backgrounds to reduce disparities.

Core Components of Cultural Competence

• Self-Awareness
  • Continuous self-reflection to uncover personal cultural biases.
  • Recognize how one’s background shapes patient interactions and clinical decisions.
• Cultural Knowledge
  • Actively learn about patients’ cultures, health beliefs, practices, and communication styles.
  • Adapt care plans to respect patients’ values and preferences.