How to Address Health Disparities through Culturally Competent Care

The case for how respecting cultural differences improves health and well-being.

Growing up, whenever someone would say culture, my brain would immediately go to the definition, “a way of life for a group of people.” It wasn’t until I became a health coach that it became clear how culture significantly impacted people's lives and the treatment they received.

For instance, research has shown that Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) experience a disproportionate burden of illness and disease (Strings, 2019). Further, it is well-known that health disparities, or differences in health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other factors, continue to be a significant problem in healthcare.

However, a solution can address these disparities: culturally competent care.

Culturally competent care is essential in addressing these disparities, as it recognizes and respects the cultural differences that can impact a patient's health and well-being. Even if you’re someone like myself, a member of the BIPOC community, there are some things you can do to implement culturally competent care.

While this is far from an exhaustive list, here are three ways that healthcare professionals can address health disparities through culturally competent care:

Tip 1: Recognize the cultural beliefs and practices that impact health.

It should go without saying that some cultural beliefs and practices, such as traditional medicine or dietary preferences, can significantly impact a person’s health. For instance, if you’re working with a person whose culture regularly practices fasting and you’re not well-versed in how to nutritionally support them, you can refer out to someone with expertise in that area.

It doesn’t undermine your authority to admit areas that are not your strengths. It enhances your authority by showing that you’re the type of healthcare professional that takes the time to understand and support their cultural practices.

Tip 2: Address implicit bias.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have an implicit bias, so it’s crucial to be self-aware to do something about it. For example, investing in training and education is one crucial step that you can take to ensure that you are providing equitable care to all patients and clients.

Notice that this advice is for everyone, regardless if you’re part of the BIPOC community or not. Even as a Black health coach, there were times when I had an implicit bias. I could acknowledge my own by educating myself about implicit bias and implementing the training to address it.

Tip 3: Adapt interventions to cultural preferences.

Meeting the needs of your patients and clients from BIPOC communities may likely require adapting interventions. For those who deeply value family involvement, that may mean allowing family members to be present during appointments or participate in decision-making.

While that might not be how you would do things, it’s essential to remember that you are not them. What might work well for you or others might not be the best thing for them. Being willing to adapt to meet their needs and preferences will set you apart from all the other health professionals that won’t do that.

So, I hope this has given you some perspective and insight into the benefits of culturally competent care.

Addressing health disparities through culturally competent care requires healthcare providers to recognize and respect cultural differences, address implicit bias, and adapt interventions to cultural preferences. By doing so, healthcare providers can work towards providing equitable care and reducing health disparities.

Are you a healthcare provider or a patient with a burning question you’d like us to answer in an upcoming article? Hit reply or email us at enhanceblackwomenshealth@gmail.com.

Source.

Strings, S. (2019). Fearing the black body: The racial origins of Fat Phobia. New York University Press.