Healthcare Cultural Competence, Diversity (Research, Video 3:51)

The increasing diversity in America must be addressed more efficiently by healthcare institutions in order to meet the needs of various populations and eliminate disparities. Cultural competency includes not only racial-ethnic issues, but also disabilities, sexual orientation, and more, including the need for diversity in the workplace. Racial-ethnicity, however, is one form of diversity that particularly stands out. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. is projected to become a majority-minority nation for the first time in 2043. The non-Hispanic white population will remain the largest single group, and no group will make up a majority. All in all, current racial-ethnic minorities are projected to comprise 57 percent of the population in 2060.   

While various forms of cultural competency are included in core curriculum standards in many undergraduate and graduate healthcare-related programs, questions remain about areas in need of strengthening for greater proficiency. Cultural competency in nursing education is an example of such a program that has been researched. In this survey research, 365 nurses participated. Results indicated that undergraduate-degree nurses scored lower than graduate-degree nurses regarding cultural knowledge. Scores on cultural awareness, skills, and comfort with patient encounters did not vary between groups. Unfortunately, both groups of nurses reported little cultural diversity training in the workplace or in professional continuing education.

Cultural competency includes the need for diversity among workers in the workplace. This video presents various examples of the necessity for improving cultural competence in healthcare:

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.

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