A Model and Instrument for Addressing Cultural Competence in Health Care

The Meaning of Health: Perspectives of Anglo and Latino Older Women

“…Our ethnocentrism can lead us to disregard the notion that concepts such as "health" are not universally regarded, that they have different meanings to individuals in general and to individuals from different cultures in particular. Latino patients' mistrust of the health care system, unconscious clinician bias, and lack of cultural competence and sensitivity have been raised as reasons for the health disparities in the Latino population (Campinha-Bacote, 1999;ORWH, 1999). Understanding the meaning given to the concept of health can only enhance our ability to provide culturally competent care to peoples of different racial/ethnic, age, socioeconomic, and gender groups, thus further elucidating the issue of health disparities in the Latino population.…”

“…Further cause for alarm is raised when planners and practitioners consider that Latino women are reported to suffer higher rates of chronic, disabling conditions than many other groups (Gale, 1995;Gale & Erickson, 1997;Kass, Weinick, & Monheit, 1999). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that these women experience greater limitations in health care access (Mills & Bhandari, 2003;Moy, Bartman, Clancy, & Cornelius, 1998) and bear the brunt of cultural insensitivity demonstrated by many service providers (Campinha-Bacote, 1999;ORWH, 1999).…”

Cultural competence: Development of a conceptual framework

“…CamphinaBacote [12] developed and tested an inventory to assess the process of acquiring cultural competence with a sample of health care professionals. She later replicated the study with a sample of rehabilitation professionals serving people with disabilities [6].…”

“…One of the most commonly accepted definitions of cultural competence in the healthcare field was developed by Camphinha-Bacote [12] in the nursing profession. According to this definition, cultural competence is demonstrated when practitioners understand and appreciate differences in health beliefs and behaviours, recognise and respect variations that occur within cultural groups, and are able to adjust their practice to provide effective interventions for people from various cultures [12].…”

“…One of the most commonly accepted definitions of cultural competence in the healthcare field was developed by Camphinha-Bacote [12] in the nursing profession. According to this definition, cultural competence is demonstrated when practitioners understand and appreciate differences in health beliefs and behaviours, recognise and respect variations that occur within cultural groups, and are able to adjust their practice to provide effective interventions for people from various cultures [12]. Suarez-Balcazar and Rodakowski [13] assert that 'becoming culturally competent is an on-going contextual, developmental and experiential process of personal growth that results in professional understanding and ability to adequately serve individuals who look, think and behave differently from us' (p 15).…”