Why is cultural competency important?

In the NHS, success often depends upon engaging with a range of people from different backgrounds and cultures; understanding culture is therefore vital.

Studies have shown that service users from minority groups are:

• less likely to express confidence or trust in staff
• less likely to have been spoken to in a way in which they can understand
• less likely to be informed about their choices or adequately involved in decisions surrounding their maternity care
• more likely to report that they were not treated with kindness or respect. 

Enhancing cultural competence will assist in:

• bridging the gap in health inequalities
• help better communication with service providers and service users. 

How can you achieve cultural competence? 

• Learn about yourself, and what is important to you.
• Learn about different cultures.
• Be curious, ask questions. 

Watch the video below on health literacy and cultural competency, which explores the importance of the social, cultural and linguistic charateristics of each patient in health outcomes.