Cultural Competency

Possessing a set of attitudes,

behaviors and policies that come
together in a system or among
individuals that enable effective
interactions in a cross-cultural
framework.
Cultural Competency is a necessary
skill in todays workplace.

Cultural Competency
Attitudes, behaviors and policies that
ensure effective interactions in a multicultural environment.
5 Elements of Cultural Competency
Valuing Diversity
Cultural self-assessment within the
organization
Awareness of the dynamics of cross-cultural
interaction
Incorporating cultural knowledge into the
corporate culture
Adaptive environment to multicultural
issues (i.e., Flexibility)

Cultural Competency in
Healthcare
Clear and unimpeded
communication is essential
Patients must be treated with
respect, understanding and
acceptance regardless of cultural
differences.
The ARRT Code of Ethics preclude
discriminatory practices in the
delivery of quality patient care.

Cultural Competency in
Healthcare
Communication
Language barriers
Nonverbal communication

Space
Proximity/Personal boundaries
Eye contact
Appropriate touching

Time
Past, present, future
Prevention vs. treatment

Cultural Competency in
Healthcare

Environmental control

Differences in health practices

Cultural views of illness vs. health

Biologic variations
Ethnic or racially-related differences in:
Body structure
Susceptibility to certain diseases
Nutrition

Social organizations
Individual oriented vs. family oriented
Youth vs. elder