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Improving Awareness of the Cultural Needs of Patients

Introduction 

In the dynamic healthcare environment, increasing cultural awareness among patients and families is essential for the delivery of fair and efficient care. In this discourse, we look at the relationship between organizational culture and employee education on culturally meeting their needs and recommend three essential strategies for organizations to use in providing culturally competent health care.

Organizational Culture and Employee Education

The culture of an organization determines employees’ education on how to address cultural needs. A culturally responsive healthcare system recognizes that varying values, beliefs, and norms are critical components (Stubbe, 2020). Tulane University (2021) mentions that cultural competence extends beyond ethnic and race factors, encompassing various socioeconomic backgrounds and LGBTQ communities. In order to overcome cultural dissimilarities, organizations must be able to promote cross-cultural communication and diversity within the healthcare workforce. Diverse teams form a broader cultural knowledge base, which increases the organization’s capacity to address the needs of patients within their cultural context. Along with that, language accessibility is also given prominence due to the fact that language barriers can hinder effective communication and compromise patient safety.

Critical Strategies for Culturally Competent Healthcare

Promoting Awareness and Education

Building cultural competence in healthcare requires a significant commitment to professional training in healthcare (Tulane University, 2021). The specialized training of the staff provides them with the necessary cross-cultural communication skills, which helps them to deal with diverse beliefs and behaviors with ease and confidence. The training also encourages the practice of self-evaluation and reflection on a regular basis. This way, the culture of cultural humility is promoted. Crucial to the process is the understanding of the limits of individual knowledge and the behavioral-based correcting of unconscious biases. Through the implementation of these principles, healthcare providers improve their cultural sensitivity, thus developing an atmosphere of responsive, quality care where every patient is treated with respect for their unique cultural viewpoint.

Accessibility for All

The availability of services must be considered as part of cultural competence in healthcare (American Hospital Association, 2013). Organizations must be sensitive to the local community, gathering demographic data and utilizing targeted surveys in order to identify specific needs. This is a preemptive strategy that ensures that communication, culture, or other factors do not hinder the provision of quality care. Other than that, a diverse team that mirrors the patient population will help with communication and understanding and, therefore, create a welcoming atmosphere. The American Hospital Association’s (2013) guidance, on the other hand, highlights the importance of accessibility in the realization of cultural competence in healthcare and the development of equitable and inclusive practices that lead to better patient outcomes.

Evaluation and Customization of Training Programs

Routine evaluation of current diversity training programs is a critical factor in the discovery of gaps and possible improvements (Toll, 2023). Organizations should develop a culturally sensitive training system that concentrates on cultural competence in healthcare. This may comprise recognizing the peculiarities of different cultures, implementing an open-door policy for employee concerns, and incorporating daily practices that foster inclusivity.

Conclusion

Building a culture-sensitive healthcare setting is a complex process that involves the consideration of the organization’s culture, employee education, and strategic implementation. Through the systematic promotion of awareness, accessibility, and specialized training, healthcare organizations gain a tremendous improvement in their cultural competence. This helps patients improve their quality of life and the healthcare system by providing more patient-centered care.

References

American Hospital Association (2013). Becoming a Culturally Competent Health Care Organization. https://www.aha.org/ahahret-guides/2013-06-18-becoming-culturally-competent-health-care-organization

Erich Toll (June 16, 2023). How to Improve Cultural Competence in Healthcare – 7 Tips, https://www.diversityresources.com/how-to-improve-cultural-competence-in-healthcare-7-tips/

Stubbe, D. E. (2020). They are practicing cultural competence and cultural humility in the care of diverse patients. Focus, 18(1), 49-51. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190041

Tulane University, (March 1, 2021). How to Improve Cultural Competence in Health Care https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/cultural-competence-in-health-care

 

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