Culture refers to a group or community that share common experiences that shape the way its members understand the world (DHW, 2011).
When we think of culture it is important to remember that we belong to many cultural groups. They all shape the way we see the world. Our viewpoints are influenced by a lifetime of learning and group affiliation.
(Srivastava, 2006)
Cultural competencies are a set of consistent attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviours and policies required to effectively meet the needs of all the people we serve.
Question to Consider:
Cultural humility is a process of self-reflection to understand personal and systemic biases and to develop and maintain respectful processes and relationships based on mutual trust. Cultural humility involves humbly acknowledging oneself as a learner when it comes to understanding another’s experience.
(First Nations Health Authority)
(Kohls, 1979)
Culture and health care are linked. The way an individual receives care within the context of their culture can impact health outcomes. Our culture determines the food we like to eat, our approach to healthcare and what we need when we are unwell and the role our family plays in how we care for each other during times of illness.
Questions to Consider:
References:
First Nations Health Authority. (2019). Cultural Humility. Retrieved from https://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-and-the-first-nations-health-authority/cultural-safety-and-humility July 2, 2019.
Kohls, L. R. (1979). Survival kit for overseas living. Chicago, Ill: Intercultural Network/SYSTRAN Publications.
Rhymes, J., Dunbar, P., Harrigan, K., & Headley, L. (2011). Cultural Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Guideline Development. Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. Retrieved from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/diversity/documents/cultural-competence-assess-tool.pdf June 11, 2019.
Srivastava, R. (2006). The healthcare professional's guide to clinical cultural competence. Elsevier Health Sciences.