Cultural competence in healthcare
Cultural competence in healthcare
Cultural competence in healthcare (pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈkɒmpɪtəns ɪn ˈhɛlθkeər/) refers to the ability of healthcare providers to effectively deliver healthcare services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients.
Etymology
The term "cultural competence" originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the context of various social and health services. The term "competence" is derived from the Latin "competentia", meaning meeting together, agreement, symmetry. It implies the capacity to function effectively.
Definition
Cultural competence in healthcare involves understanding and respecting the patient's cultural values, beliefs, and practices, and applying this understanding to improve healthcare services. It includes the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently across different cultural backgrounds.
Importance
Cultural competence in healthcare is important because it helps to ensure that healthcare services are accessible and relevant to diverse patient populations. It can help to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes.
Related Terms
- Health disparities: Differences in health outcomes and their determinants between different population groups.
- Healthcare provider: A person or organization that provides health services to individuals.
- Patient: A person who is receiving care or treatment from a healthcare provider.
- Cultural values: The core principles and ideals upon which an entire community exists.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cultural competence in healthcare
- Wikipedia's article - Cultural competence in healthcare
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