Cultural Competence in Healthcare Leadership Education and Development

Abstract

Cultural competence is a phenomenon that straddles many disciplines and fields of study. There is no settled definition of the term, and it is argued that this is not necessary to explore or discuss the phenomenon as it is context-dependent across diverse societies. Explorations of cultural competence in clinical education and training are well-established, but there has been less attention towards its expression in the field of developing healthcare leaders. There is a debate about whether cultural competence is best achieved primarily through training-based educational inputs or by being infused in all areas of curriculum development. Using an exploration of selected literature followed by the case of an ambitious set of leadership development programmes in the English National Health Service, this paper explores the balance and interdependencies of cultural competence in healthcare leadership development as knowledge, skills and attitudes. The paper concludes that it is important for educators in this field to provide space for reflection, develop skills of reflexivity and facilitate sensitive discussions of sometimes contested ideas and concepts. A further evaluation of the impact of teaching and learning interventions, while mapping developments in perceptions of knowledge, skill and attitudes would be an area ripe for future research.

Managing the implementation processes of cultural competency into a healthcare system

“…We should certainly not forget that, in addition to doctors and nurses, non-medical personnel are also employed in health institutions. Patients also come into contact and interact with them every day, so it is necessary to include them in the work on cultural awareness, issues of diversity and power (Gulati et al, 2022).…”

“…Cultural and linguistic competence in the provision of health care are two inseparable entities and represent a set of behaviors, attitudes and policies within the system and employees and enable effective work in intercultural circumstances (Gulati et al, 2022). Cultural competence is not determined only by the knowledge acquired during education and training, although the importance of this form of knowledge acquisition cannot be disputed, but it represents a constant commitment and awareness of cultural factors that influence attitudes about health and disease (Abubakar et al, 2018).…”

“…It is necessary to carefully consider the ambition that cultural competence can be taught in seminars and training. Also, it is necessary to be aware that all interventions should be implemented in strategies and programs for the development of the health system, so a long-term positive effect can be expected(Gulati et al, 2022).…”

Cultural Competence in Ophthalmic Dispensing Education: A Qualitative Study

“…There is no settled definition of the term, as it is argued that cultural competence straddles many disciplines. 4 As defined by Govender et al, 5 cultural competence is the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races and ethnic backgrounds in a way that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of the individual and protects and preserves the dignity of each. …”

Cultural Competence in Healthcare and Healthcare Education

“…In their article about "cultural competence in healthcare leadership education and development", Gulati and Weir [22] explained that cultural competence should not be approached the same way across disciplines and professions but should be understood and used in specific contexts. By exploring the relevant literature and leadership development programmes in the English National Health Service, Gulati and Weir concluded that in addition to awareness about cultures space for reflection, skills of reflexivity and discussion were essential for building cultural competencies in healthcare education leadership.…”