Cultural competency
It is "central to the role medical anthropologists play in a variety of domestic health care settings." (Joralemon 2010: 96) Joralemon also says that medical anthropologists can teach or apply it when needed. They have made it into the biomedicine world because of the belief that by "introducing cultural competency into clinical care improves patient/physician interaction and treatment outcomes." (Joralemon 2010:96) Cultural competency is important in todays medical world. "Cultural competency is critical to reducing health disparities and improving access to high-quality health care, health care that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of diverse patients." (National Institutes of Health Website) This practice allows both the patient and the doctors to meet half way so effect and safe procedures are done. Cultural competency is needed in both applied and critical anthropology in order for them to be successful in their field. Doctors, patients, and anthropologists need to work together so treatment is successful and benefits all who are involved. Cultural incompetency should be avoided. Be open-minded and do what is needed to get the best outcome.
Cultural competency can benefit: (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health 1981)
It is "central to the role medical anthropologists play in a variety of domestic health care settings." (Joralemon 2010: 96) Joralemon also says that medical anthropologists can teach or apply it when needed. They have made it into the biomedicine world because of the belief that by "introducing cultural competency into clinical care improves patient/physician interaction and treatment outcomes." (Joralemon 2010:96) Cultural competency is important in todays medical world. "Cultural competency is critical to reducing health disparities and improving access to high-quality health care, health care that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of diverse patients." (National Institutes of Health Website) This practice allows both the patient and the doctors to meet half way so effect and safe procedures are done. Cultural competency is needed in both applied and critical anthropology in order for them to be successful in their field. Doctors, patients, and anthropologists need to work together so treatment is successful and benefits all who are involved. Cultural incompetency should be avoided. Be open-minded and do what is needed to get the best outcome.
Cultural competency can benefit: (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health 1981)
- consumers
- stakeholders
- communities
- supports positive health outcomes
- allows accuracy in medical research
Image 5: One way to develop cultural competency. http://uteclementconsulting.de/media/grafiken/neu/developing-cultural-competence.gif