Why cultural competency is important in healthcare

Cultural competency enables healthcare organisations and providers to deliver effective services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By embracing cultural competency, healthcare providers can address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest quality of care.

What impact does cultural competency have?

Cultural competency is vital for several reasons:

Tailored care: Healthcare workers can customise their approach to align with patients’ values, religious beliefs, and personal needs, fostering trust and improving care quality.

Overcoming barriers: It helps patients overcome obstacles to accessing healthcare. Staff from diverse backgrounds bring unique skills and expertise, such as overcoming language barriers and respecting cultural norms. For instance, some Muslim women may prefer female healthcare providers, and Jehovah’s Witnesses may refuse blood transfusions due to their beliefs.

Improved health outcomes: Research shows that culturally competent care leads to better health outcomes and higher quality of care.

Enhanced patient satisfaction: Patients who feel understood and respected are more likely to be satisfied with their care, which can lead to better adherence to treatment plans.

Reduction of health disparities: Cultural competency helps address and reduce health disparities among different population groups, ensuring equitable care for all.

Holistic care: It allows for treatment plans that consider not just physical health, but also emotional and spiritual well-being, which is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Effects of not having cultural competency

Without cultural competency, healthcare providers may misinterpret patients’ behaviours, beliefs, or symptoms, leading to ineffective treatment plans and unaddressed health concerns. Patients from underrepresented communities might feel alienated or mistrustful of the healthcare system, reducing their likelihood of seeking care or following medical advice.

How to support and introduce cultural competency

If you’re a healthcare employer, provider, or organisation, you have a crucial role in supporting culturally competent care.

Diversity in the workplace

The UK has an incredibly multicultural workforce, one which spans many religions, races, genders, and ethnicities. Diverse teams enhance inclusivity and cultural competency within the health service.

Resource management

Providing resources such as interpreters and culturally appropriate tools and technology can significantly improve patient care. For example, some Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims may avoid drugs with certain ingredients.

Training and education

Offering cultural competency training to healthcare staff can bridge knowledge gaps and enhance support. Training can include workshops, online courses, and conferences tailored to the team’s needs.

Conclusion

Cultural competence is essential in healthcare. By developing cultural competence, healthcare workers can improve communication, understanding, and access to care, leading to better patient outcomes and experiences.

Skills for Health have extensive experience and deep knowledge of the healthcare sector. Their consultants can provide comprehensive support to address your challenges. If you need assistance in introducing cultural competency in your workplace, contact them today.