What Is Cultural Competence?

"Cultural competence is a set of attitudes, skills, behaviors, and policies that enable organizations and staff to work effectively in crosscultural situations. It reflects the ability to acquire and use knowledge of the health-related beliefs, attitudes, practices, and communication patterns of clients and their families to improve services, strengthen programs, increase community participation, and close the gaps in health status among diverse population groups" (Cross et al. 1989; Lavizzo-Mourney and Mackenzie 1996).

Cultural competence begins with an honest desire not to allow biases to keep us from treating every individual with respect. It requires an honest assessment of our positive and negative assumptions about others. This is not easy—no one wants to admit that they suffer from cultural ignorance, or in the worst case, harbor negative stereotypes and prejudices. Learning to evaluate our own level of cultural competency must be part of our ongoing effort to provide better health care.

Culturally competent providers consistently and systematically:

• understand and respect their patients' values, beliefs, and expectations;
• understand the disease-specific epidemiology and treatment efficacy of different population groups;
• adapt the way they deliver care to each patient's needs and expectations.

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