The Key to Equitable Access to Care
The Benefits of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
As healthcare providers in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world, it has become more evident that cultural competence is a requirement, not an option. Through cultural competence, healthcare providers can deliver effective and appropriate healthcare services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, cultural competence goes beyond simply acknowledging cultural differences; it involves an in-depth understanding of different communities' values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors.
For instance, research has shown that when healthcare providers provide culturally sensitive care, patients are more likely to report great satisfaction with their providers, which is a component of better health outcomes (Antón-Solanas et al., 2021). The significance of cultural competence lies in its potential to bridge gaps in healthcare disparities and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals.
Thus, today we will explore the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and its role in promoting equitable access to care.
3 Benefits of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
1. Breaks Down Barriers
As social determinants of health have shown, various factors can hinder access to care. One of the primary benefits of cultural competence is its ability to break down those barriers. For instance, through active listening, healthcare providers can build trust between patients and providers, which is vital to improving health outcomes (Shanahan & Cunningham, 2021).
Providers can establish trust and build stronger patient relationships by understanding and respecting cultural differences. Thus, breaking down barriers fosters open communication and enables patients to express their concerns and preferences freely.
2. Enhances Communication
In our more diverse world, it has become paramount that we recognize the importance of enhancing our language and communication skills. Studies have shown that insufficient interpreters and a lack of cultural mediators can contribute to missed appointments, incomplete medical testing, and uncomfortable feelings (Lebano, et al., 2020). Thus inadequate language and communication skills create significant challenges in healthcare settings.
Through cultural competence, providers are equipped with the necessary tools to communicate effectively with patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. By employing interpreters, using culturally appropriate language, and considering non-verbal cues, providers can ensure that patients fully comprehend their diagnoses, treatment plans, and healthcare instructions.
3. Tailored Care
There was a time when healthcare followed a one-size-fits-all approach. However, the personalization of medicine has become more acceptable over time as providers recognize the benefits of tailoring care to meet specific health problems and needs (Jansen et al., 2010). Therefore, cultural competence is crucial in tailoring healthcare services for individuals from different cultures.
By recognizing cultural beliefs and practices, providers can adapt treatment plans and interventions to align with their patients' cultural values. In addition, through tailored care, providers can improve treatment adherence and increase the engagement of patients in their healthcare.
In an increasingly diverse society, cultural competence is necessary for healthcare providers. Ensuring equitable access to care and addressing healthcare disparities among communities is crucial. By embracing cultural competence, providers can break down barriers, enhance communication, and tailor care, ultimately improving health outcomes for all individuals.
To create a more inclusive and culturally competent healthcare system, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and policymakers must prioritize training and support for healthcare providers in developing their cultural competence. By doing so, we can build a healthcare system that respects and values the diversity of its patients, promoting better health for all, regardless of cultural background. Cultural competence is not just a buzzword but the key to a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape.
References
Antón-Solanas, I., Tambo-Lizalde, E., Hamam-Alcober, N., Vanceulebroeck, V., Dehaes, S., Kalkan, I., Kömürcü, N., Coelho, M., Coelho, T., Casa Nova, A., Cordeiro, R., Sagarra-Romero, L., Subirón-Valera, A. B., & Huércanos-Esparza, I. (2021). Nursing students' experience of learning cultural competence. PloS one, 16(12), e0259802. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259802
Jansen, Y. J., Foets, M. M., & de Bont, A. A. (2010). The contribution of qualitative research to the development of tailor-made community-based interventions in primary care: a review. European journal of public health, 20(2), 220–226. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckp085
Shanahan, T., & Cunningham, J. (2021). Keys to Trust-Building with Patients. Journal of Christian nursing : a quarterly publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship, 38(2), E11–E14. https://doi.org/10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000823