Transcript Cultural Competency Part 1

Introduction to Cultural Competency
Martha R. Crowther, PhD, MPH
The University of Alabama
1
Group Exercise
2
Diversity & Aging
3
Cultural Competency & Humility
4
Case Vignettes
QUESTIONS
What have been your experiences with
providing cultural competency in your
clinical/research setting?
What would be most helpful today?
What is Cultural Competence?
CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Cultural Competence Defined
Cultural and linguistic competence are
defined as “a set of congruent behaviors,
attitudes, and policies that come together in
a system, agency, or among professionals
that enables effective work in cross-cultural
situations” (OMH, 2006, p.1)
Cultural Competence Defined
 Culture refers to integrated patterns of human
behavior that include language, thoughts,
communications, actions, customs, beliefs,
values, and institutions of racial, ethnic,
religious, or social groups.
 Competence implies having the capacity to
function effectively as an individual and an
organization within the context of the cultural
beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by
consumers and their communities”.
(OMH, 2006, p.1)
Why Study Cultural Competence?
 The Center on Aging Society states, “If
providers, organizations, and systems
are not working together to promote and
provide culturally competent care,
patients are at higher risk of having
negative health consequences, receiving
poor quality care, or being dissatisfied
with their care” (Ihara, 2004).
Factors that Influence Culture
Age
Race/Ethnicity
Gender
Socio-economic status
Educational attainment
Individual experiences
Place of birth
Length of residency in the US
Religious/Spiritual beliefs & practices
Sexual Orientation
Race, Ethnicity, Minority Status, & Culture
Culture: Generally, culture is considered a
dynamic system of rules (explicit and implicit) that
is established by groups to ensure their survival,
and involves attitudes, values, beliefs, norms, and
behaviors that are shared by a group of people
and that are communicated across generations
(Matsumoto & Juang, 2004).
Race, Ethnicity, Minority Status, & Culture
Culturally diverse older adults differ from younger
adults as a result of greater institutional policies of
racism and discrimination experienced in their
lifetime.
 Elders rely to a greater extent on their
minority segregated communities, cultural
values, traditional language, and kinship
systems than younger adults (Crowther, ShurgotRobinson, Perkins, & Rodriguez, in press; Morales, 1999).
Race, Ethnicity, Minority Status, & Culture
 Shared Cultural Values among Ethnic Minorities
(Crowther, Shurgot-Robinson, Perkins, & Rodriguez, 2006)
 Familism: strong feelings of loyalty, reciprocity and
solidarity among members of the same family.
Therefore, consider discussing major health decisions
with families not just the patient.
 Time: fluid & flexible. Thus, schedule appointments
considering time for lateness.
 Respect: Many ethnic minority elders have a preference
for being addressed by Mr. & Mrs. Followed by last name
Honored status in family & are treated respectfully.
 Use of Religion to cope with problems
Aging & Diversity