Cultural competence in healthcare can help engage patients and reduce disparities, according to a report from the Equity of Care initiative and the American Hospital Association's Health Research & Educational Trust and Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence.
The report, "Becoming a Culturally Competent Health Care Organization," defines cultural competence in healthcare as "the ability to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors, including tailoring health care delivery to meet patients' social, cultural and linguistic needs." The report describes three steps for healthcare organizations to become culturally competent:
1. Analyze data and microtarget surveys to improve service for the local community.
2. Communicate survey findings to determine priorities.
3. Educate staff and align programming and resources to meet community needs.
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