Question

What are some of the limitations of the term “cultural competence”? What term do you prefer and why? What are the benefits of implementing programs to address cultural competence within a healthcare organization? What are the costs of not implementing such program?  What public policies might help to address health inequities or the social determinants of health?

Answer 1

Cultural Competence term gives an impression of merely professional or an outward pretence of being accomodative of cultural, racial differences. The term I would prefer is 'Mutual Respect', that is, not withstanding the different attitudes towards life, people should appreciate wach other's views and backgrounds.

The benefits of implementing a cultural competence program in an healthcare organization are immense. It leads to patients of various backgrounds becoming comfortable with accessing the organization. The cost of not implementing such a program would be to lose out on these patients.

Public policy initiatives like education. social awareness canhelp in addressing health equities or social determinants of health.