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Review
. 2000;57 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):181-217.
doi: 10.1177/1077558700057001S09.

Can cultural competency reduce racial and ethnic health disparities? A review and conceptual model

C Brach, I Fraser
Review

Can cultural competency reduce racial and ethnic health disparities? A review and conceptual model

C Brach et al. Med Care Res Rev. 2000.

Abstract

This article develops a conceptual model of cultural competency's potential to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, using the cultural competency and disparities literature to lay the foundation for the model and inform assessments of its validity. The authors identify nine major cultural competency techniques: interpreter services, recruitment and retention policies, training, coordinating with traditional healers, use of community health workers, culturally competent health promotion, including family/community members, immersion into another culture, and administrative and organizational accommodations. The conceptual model shows how these techniques could theoretically improve the ability of health systems and their clinicians to deliver appropriate services to diverse populations, thereby improving outcomes and reducing disparities. The authors conclude that while there is substantial research evidence to suggest that cultural competency should in fact work, health systems have little evidence about which cultural competency techniques are effective and less evidence on when and how to implement them properly.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Conceptual Model of How Interpreter Services Could Reduce Health Disparities
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Conceptual Model of How Nine Cultural Competency Techniques Could Reduce Health Disparities
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Reducing Health Disparities Through the Implementation of Cultural Competency
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Workforce. Culturally Effective Pediatric Care: Education and Training Issues. Pediatrics. 1999;103(1):167–170. - PubMed
    1. Andrulis DP, Delbanco TL, Shaw-Taylor Y. Cross Cultural Competence in Health Care Survey. Washington, DC: National Public Health and Hospital Institute; 1999.

MeSH terms