How to Provide Culturally Sensitive Care

Providing care without being sensitive to the cultural needs of a client may suggest that the healthcare provider’s values and beliefs are superior to those of the client and may lead to disparity of care. The limited patient involvement in care may result in noncompliance, placing patients at greater risk of health-related complications. This delay in provision of healthcare can result in life-threatening complications.

The following are guidelines for promoting cultural sensitivity in the clinical setting, as derived from Family Practice Guidelines:

• Consult online Internet self-assessment tools; for example, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
• Download self-assessment tools from public sites. Resettlement Assistance Program, Cultural Competence, provides a validated tool.
• Use existing self-assessment tools and make necessary changes to fit the need of your community.

• Understand the community and its health status.
• Evaluate resources, attitudes, and barriers inside the community and practice location.
  • Access to resources
  • Notification of assistance
  • Range of assistance options:
    • Transportation
    • Communication; consider an interpreter (personal vs. automated).
      • Identify bilingual staff.
      • Use family members or personal acquaintances as interpreters (adults only).
      • Provide multilingual written materials.
  • Education (meaningful/multilingual)
    • User friendly
    • Friendly technology

• Assessments should include the patient’s health values and beliefs.
• Communication should be meaningful.
  • Be precise and clear.
  • Maintain eye contact when speaking.
  • Use plain language.
  • Observe facial expressions and body language.
  • Use short sentences to explain lengthy information.
  • Avoid medical jargon.
  • Use repetition for emphasis.
  • Ask questions to confirm understanding.
• Schedule longer appointments if needed.
• Healthcare providers should clarify the limitations of a healthcare provider’s role.

By following these guidelines and using your best judgement, you should be able to promote culturally sensitive care in your practice or clinical setting.