Managing the implementation processes of cultural competency into a healthcare system

Abstract

Culture has a significant impact on shaping people's attitudes about health, well-being and their perception of health care. Health cultural competence is the ability to function effectively as an individual or organization in the context of the cultural beliefs, practices and needs of patients and communities. Cultural and linguistic competences are a set of behaviours', attitudes and policies that enable effective work in intercultural environments. Culturally diverse patients have poorer access to health services and face different barriers. The cultural competence of health professionals includes awareness, knowledge and cultural skills to reduce these barriers. The paper presents three models of the development of culturally competent health care, Campinha-Bacote, Milton Bennett and Darla Deardorff. Models are being improved in line with new research and knowledge. It is proposed that the management of health institutions consider aspects of cultural self-awareness, intercultural communication skills and analysis of socio-cultural barriers in health care. Education and training of health professionals towards achieving a balance between intercultural knowledge and communication skills is the best approach in the development of cultural competencies.