Cultural competence is an important component of public human and medical services. Many staff employed in human services, regardless of training, do not exhibit integral cultural competency. Often the need for cultural competence goes unnoticed except during times of crisis when its absence is most evident. Yet, the most substantive method to develop cultural competence is for individuals from various cultures to openly discuss the issues involved. A correlation has been established between a higher degree of cultural competence and a higher degree of program success. Sometimes identified with "political correctness," or of not offending, the issue at hand is not "not to offend" (though this is one outcome of cultural competence) but to credibly gain the trust of, in order to effectively communicate with, the diverse communities for which services are provided. Cultural competence has serious implications for planning and delivery of services, such as those in clinics (i.e. for medical treatment or case management) and for outreach and prevention programs (i.e. pre-natal program outreach or HIV & STD prevention). This paper will explore a number of approaches to culture. Cultural competence will be defined. Elements of culture will then be explored incorporating and comparing issues such as "national origin," "ethnicity," "religion," "socio-economic status," and "sexual orientation." Voluntary and involuntary aspects of culture will be examined, particularly in relation to the perceived experience of "the other." Finally, guidelines will be proposed to facilitate the discussion of culture between two or more individuals as one method for developing cultural competency.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1) Identify the primary dynamic components of culture; 2) Define cultural competence and articulate four reasons for its importance, and; 3) Apply specific ground rules to facilitate learning cultural competency between two or more individuals from different cultural groups.
Keywords: Communication, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.