Cultural Competency
Equitable health care for all
Understanding, supporting and embracing the social, language and cultural diversity is cultural competency.
Why cultural competency matters
- Reduces racial/ethnic health care disparities
- Fosters connections between patients and health care professionals
- Increases patient safety and eliminates miscommunications
- Improves health equity and care outcomes
- Increases patient satisfaction
Examples of cultural competency in health care
Cultural Awareness
Considering cultures, values and beliefs in treatment which can positively impact health outcomes.
Social
Assessing social determinants of health that negatively impact a patient’s health and quality of life.
Language
Recognizing a patient’s preferred language, identifying communication needs, and arranging for assistance.
Showcase your cultural competencies by keeping your directory information up to date.
- Cultural competency training and certifications
- Languages spoken (provider and staff) and availability of interpreter services
- Specialties and areas of expertise
- Certifications, affiliations and licenses
- Telehealth services
- Hospital affiliations
Cultural competency training and education
Free CME Credit Courses
Optum Health Education™ (OHE) A provider of interprofessional continuing education (IPCE). OHE is an accredited provider of medical, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, psychology, social work, dental and dietitian continuing education.
Department of Health and Human Services The Office of Minority Health offers accredited continuing education programs as well as tools to help you provide respectful, understandable and effective services.
Cultural competency resources
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Planning Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services
An approach to defining the needs of multi-ethnic members and developing culturally and linguistically appropriate services for them.
The Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (2nd edition)
A free resource to improve interactions between patients and staff. For the fastest engagement, begin with the Quick Start Guide.
Other Resources
American Indian and Alaska Native Culture Card
The culture card enhances cultural competence when serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. It covers regional differences, cultural customs, spirituality, communication styles, the role of veterans and older adults, and health disparities.
Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC)
The NCCC contributes to the body of knowledge on cultural and linguistic competency within systems and organizations. The Cultural and Linguistic Competence Health Practitioner Assessment (CLCHPA) self-guided learning activity developed by the NCCC, is designed to enhance the delivery of high-quality services for diverse patient/client populations and promote cultural and linguistic as essential approaches addressing health and healthcare disparities.
Language Identification Cards for Limited English Proficiency
This tool helps identify languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency. The Language Flash Card contains 38 common languages.
Office of Minority Health - Cultural Competency Section
The Office of Minority Health addresses disease prevention, health promotion, risk reduction, healthier lifestyle choices, use of health care services and barriers to health care for racial and ethnic minorities. Key strategies focused on fostering research, establishing networks and funding programs that can contribute to health policy and the effectiveness of strategies for improving health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Information on National CLAS Standards and education including free continuing education e-learning programs, resources to recorded presentations, quarterly newsletters, case study video units and more.