Cultural Competence In Health Care

Introduction
In today’s society culturally competent care should be offered to all patients. Many health care providers need a clear understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds. The United States is increasing with diversity. It is important for policy makers to create and deliver culturally competent services. Creating culturally competent services can improve health outcomes and quality of care. Public support is often the crucial factor in bringing policy changes in the community. This paper will discuss cultural factors within health care policy and community involvement during policy development.

Cultural Competence

Every human is a member of many cultures. Culture influences an individual health belief, practices and outcome of medical treatments. Demographic changes
Organizations, health care providers and health care systems should work together to provide culturally competent medical care. If these things are not accomplished, patients are at risk of receiving poor medical care and not satisfied with their care. Many ethnic groups especially African American and Latinos are dissatisfied with their medical care. African Americans feel that physicians were talking down to them, ignoring their symptoms and being disrespected during their visit.
Cultural competence in health care is the ability of providers and health care systems to integrate and deliver highest quality of care regardless of race and culture background. Individual values about health are shaped by their race and socioeconomic status. In order to improve patient and provider interactions they should recruit minority staff, training on cultural awareness, and knowledge about different cultures in their geographic area. These changes will take time but it will build patient trust with their provider and promote high quality health care.
How important is Community