Describe skills essential to the implementation of culturally competent care.

Healthcare providers must be able to recognise and accept the culture and values of patients, as well as their practices, and integrate this information into their treatment plans. The following key skills are required for healthcare professionals to implement culturally competent health care.

1. Cultural awareness: Healthcare professionals must be able to understand and appreciate their culture, as well as how that influences their beliefs and behavior. Healthcare providers must recognize the similarities and differences between their culture and their patient’s.
2. Communicative Skills: Communication is essential for the provision of culturally competent healthcare. It is essential that healthcare professionals are skilled at using both verbal and non-verbal communication methods to establish trust and relationships with patients coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. Patients should also understand the terminology and language they use.
3. Respect and Empathy: Healthcare workers must show empathy for their patients, and be able understand their perspectives and experience. They must demonstrate respect for their patients’ cultural beliefs and values, and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about them.
4. Flexibility is a key component of healthcare providers’ care. They must be willing to modify their care plan based on the patient’s cultural background and preferences, and work collaboratively with patients to develop a plan that is culturally appropriate.
5. Knowledge and Education. Health care providers need to have an in-depth understanding of cultural values and beliefs of patients they are serving. They should seek out learning opportunities about cultures other than their own and be able to continuously improve on the skills required to deliver culturally competent healthcare.
6. Self-Reflection & Continuous Improvement: Health care providers should engage in self reflection and seek out feedback in order to enhance their cultural competence. You must learn from your mistakes, and adapt your care approach accordingly.

Implementing culturally competent healthcare requires skills, knowledge and attitudes that are sensitive to the needs and experience of individuals from various cultural backgrounds.