Cultural Specific Trainings

Many health care organizations implement multi-cultural training programs. These are implemented in order to provide higher quality and comprehensive health care to these individuals. Because the United States is becoming more diverse all the time, cultural competency and diversity training is essential in healthcare. ¹ The trainings are aimed at increasing sensitivity and empathy within diverse patient populations. This can be done with several different models.The most widely used is the Cross Model, which uses six stages of awareness/competency. ¹ This model doesn't emphasize stereotypes of minority groups, but raises awareness of the cultural differences as it pertains to healthcare disparities. In other words, the "why". The reasoning behind why there are disparities and why there may be a lack of utilization of health care services/treatment. It is respect based and is rooted in advocacy. ¹ 

If these types of trainings are not done from the perspective of respect and advocacy it could then run the risk of perpetuating stereotypes and perhaps offending ethnic groups. If the focus is on the "what" they are doing and not the "why" they are doing it, one will use their own set of beliefs and culture to judge the group. That set of judgments is a significant contributor to health care disparities.¹ 

Sources:

1. Abrishami D. The Need for Cultural Competency in Health Care. Radiologic Technology.  2018;89(5): 441-447. DOI: 1943-5657.Accessed 07/09/2019