Discussion

9/3/23, 1:15 PM Sherpath - Culturally Competent Care -

https://eols.elsevier.com/#/contentPlayer/1069H80HB75?courseId=10V6LW6HJPB&moduleId=10XKPFGKSB7&lessonId=10MHCT03GN6&screenId=… 1/3

When nursing care is provided in a culturally competent way, reduction in health care inequalities and increased trust in the health care system is witnessed. Culturally congruent care is a strategy to address health care disparities and improve patient outcomes regardless of ethnicity. When nurses take the steps to become culturally competent, a positive impact can be seen in the nurse-patient relationship. Additionally, it is important to recognize that as the nurse, you also bring the culture of the health care institution to the relationship with the patient. While providing culturally congruent patient care, the nurse must strike a balance among all three cultures: his or her own culture, the patient’s culture, and the culture of the health care institution.

The following are ways to reduce disparities in health care while providing culturally competent care (Ball, 2019):

•Humanize your patient.

•Remain conscious and aware of your own biases.

•Do a teach-back with the patient to confirm clarity of the conversation.

•Educate the patient about his or her disease process or health condition.

•Welcome friends and family members to be involved.

•Learn key words or phrases in common languages in your area.

•Always use a qualified medical interpreter.

•Consider the health literacy of the patient.

•Respond thoughtfully to complaints, and have empathy.

•Hold your institution accountable for providing culturally competent care.

•Encourage patients to complete patient satisfaction surveys and demographics forms.

•Advocate that your institution interpret and instill necessary changes based on the outcomes of the surveys.

Best Practice Pearl

9/3/23, 1:15 PM Sherpath - Culturally Competent Care -

https://eols.elsevier.com/#/contentPlayer/1069H80HB75?courseId=10V6LW6HJPB&moduleId=10XKPFGKSB7&lessonId=10MHCT03GN6&screenId=… 2/3

9/3/23, 1:15 PM Sherpath - Culturally Competent Care -

https://eols.elsevier.com/#/contentPlayer/1069H80HB75?courseId=10V6LW6HJPB&moduleId=10XKPFGKSB7&lessonId=10MHCT03GN6&screenId=… 3/3