Cultural Competency

“Cultural competence refers to an ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of different cultures. It is not just about knowing another person’s culture. In the healthcare setting it is about understanding how cultural differences impact on the consulting relationship and being able to adjust your behaviour to accommodate these differences for the best patient outcomes. Competence involves the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviours and needs presented by patients and their families.”

(Waitemata DHB eCALD® Services, 2016a).

Cultural competence comprises four components:

• Cultural Awareness
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Cultural Knowledge
• Cross-Cultural Skills

Cultural competence definitions and standards are also prescribed by professional registration bodies such as the Medical Council of New Zealand; the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners; Auckland Region Allied/Public Health/Technical MECA; Nursing Council of New Zealand; the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) and others.