Health Workers Should Embrace Cultural Competence

Introduction to Cultural Competence

The book defines cultural competence 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” (Cross et al., 1989). Cultural competence within the area of behavioral health, as defined in my own words, is the ability of behavioral health workers and organizations to provide services that meet the social, cultural, and language needs of clients. Working with a variety of different cultures can be challenging because of the extensive education needed to specifically suit diverse populations. I believe that behavioral health workers must have the motivation to go the extra mile to meet the needs of different cultures. Training and education are required to be culturally competent.

Importance of Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is important for several reasons. A practitioner cannot provide quality service unless they are educated in the practices, customs, and values of other cultures. Diagnoses can be inaccurate if a behavioral health worker is not trained to work with diverse cultures. What may be true with one client can differ from race to race as well as gender to gender. Cultural competence is also crucial in the areas of program planning. If a program is not tailored to all the cultures that are supposed to be receiving it, then it could result in exclusion and discrimination because the program is not providing equal services to all races and cultures targeted to receive services. For instance, addressing cultural competence can significantly reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes (Betancourt et al., 2005).

Communication and Cultural Differences

There are many different aspects that play into communication that are not necessarily limited to speech. Alaskan Natives, for example, have many different nonverbal methods for communicating. Raised eyebrows can indicate a response meaning “yes”; a shrug of the shoulders can be someone responding to someone’s question saying, “I don’t know.” A counselor who may not be familiar with methods of nonverbal communication can assume that the client is not responding, which can lead him/her to believe that the client is ignoring them. In an extreme case, a therapist might mistakenly think the client has personality issues. Understanding these nuances is critical to providing effective care and building trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Challenges and Solutions

If there is no understood way of doing things, it can lead to things being done in the wrong or unintended way. Communication is one of the most important aspects of any business, relationship, or organization. Having training programs, meetings, and workshops that are available and required is a step in the right direction. These programs, meetings, and workshops need to address the areas of communication, sexual harassment, policies, procedures, and cultural competence. I believe that as a company progresses, they learn what works for them through the process of elimination. Figuring out what works is done by trial and error. Additionally, fostering an inclusive environment where cultural differences are respected and celebrated can enhance teamwork and productivity.

Conclusion

I believe it is just as important to understand someone’s culture as it is when taking values, traditions, and worldviews into consideration. Simply being educated on different cultures and value systems isn’t enough. Understanding how these cultures differ from your own is pertinent. This understanding not only enhances personal growth but also contributes to a more harmonious and effective workplace. Embracing cultural competence can lead to more equitable and inclusive services, ultimately benefiting both the clients and the organization as a whole.

References:

• Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Park, E. R. (2005). Cultural competence and health care disparities: Key perspectives and trends. Health Affairs, 24(2), 499-505.
• Cross, T. L., Bazron, B. J., Dennis, K. W., & Isaacs, M. R. (1989). Toward a Culturally Competent System of Care: A Monograph on Effective Services for Minority Children Who Are Severely Emotionally Disturbed. CASSP Technical Assistance Center, Georgetown University Child Development Center.