Fundamentals~How to Give Culturally Competent Care?

1. Get a professional interpreter if you do not speak the same language. Communication is key. 
2. Think about your own views such as your background, culture, ethnicity, race, and stereotypes.
3. Become objective. Do not take anything personal regarding someone else's cultural practices or views. 
4. Be mindful of gender roles. Who is the head of the household? 
5. Keep in mind time orientation varies by culture. 
6. Body odor does not alway mean the patient has poor hygiene. Natural body odors are normal for the Middle Eastern population. 
7. Food patterns may vary. In some cultures, fasting is practiced on a regularly scheduled basis. Some populations may exclude pork from their diet. 
8. Do you best to accommodate the spiritual needs of your patient. 
9. Health beliefs are different. Ask questions to determine the health beliefs of your patient. Some may practice folk medicine, herbal medicine or other alternative therapies. 
10. What is the socioeconomic level of your patient and how does this affect their health? 

Terms...
Culture: learned, shared and transmitted knowledge of values, beliefs and ways of life of a particular groups that are transmitted from one generation to the other. Culture is learned and is not genetic.

Ethnicity: persons identification with or membership in a particular racial, national or cultural group and observation of the groups customs, beliefs and language.

Race: socially constructed concept that tends to group people by common descent, heredity or physical characteristics.