The Importance of Cultural Competency in Healthcare

The increasing diversity of the nation is bringing both challenges and opportunities for policymakers, the healthcare system, and healthcare providers to design and deliver culturally competent services. According to Reynolds (2014), cultural competency is the capability of people and organizations to respond effectively and respectfully to societies of all faiths and religions, faiths, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, races, classes and cultures in a way that distinguishes and upholds the worth of communities, tribes, families and protects and preserve the dignity of each.

While targeting specific populations, it is important to consider the health information they relate to. One should be aware of and should accept the difference in racial, language and ethnic characteristics. Understanding cultural values is important for public health officials, and emergency managers will be able to understand the cultural values and biases and, thus, the quality of services that will be given to the patient.

One of the best ways to reach a target population using culturally and linguistically competent information is through social media. The use of social media can aid public health emergencies to effectively spread urgent public health messages. In research by Public Health Emergency (2017), Social media ensures that people receive information wherever they are, creates a relationship with the public and helps to disseminate information in real-time. After designing a message to protect public health, communicating them through social media will aid an organization in responding to any emergency efficiently.

Developing cultural and linguistic proficiency will therefore enhance healthcare executives and leaders to meet and improve the quality of healthcare services to their diverse populations and enhance health results during and after a disaster. However, an effective cultural competency should encompass all stages of a calamity or public health emergency, recovery, retort and preparedness.

References

 Reynolds, B., PhD. (2014). Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR)). Retrieved from https://emergency.cdc.gov/cerc/cerccorner/article_040417.asp

Public Health Emergency. (2017). Cultural and Linguistic Competency in Disaster Preparedness and Response Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/abc/Pages/linguistic-facts.aspx

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 Cultural Competency in Health Care 

Assignment: The importance of cultural competency.

The Importance of Cultural Competency in Healthcare

Question 1

The Covid-19 pandemic has reemphasized the need for cultural competency in health care. That is, it is imperative that, as healthcare professionals, we understand both the culture and history of our diverse society to dispense quality care to all.

In your own words, why do you think cultural competency is important in health care? (approx. 300 words) APA Format

Feel free to share experiences or give examples. (I work in Emergency Medicine as a Senior Admin Assistant)

Course Materials: Rose, Patti (2013) Cultural Competency for the Health Professional. Jones and Bartlet