Competence trust among providers as fundamental to a culturally competent primary healthcare system for immigrant families

摘要

Aim: To explore how an organization's trust in the cultural competency of other service providers (competence trust) can influence the effectiveness of a services network in meeting the needs of recent immigrant families. Background: Primary health care for recent immigrants arriving in Canada is delivered through a network of community-based services. To ensure the functioning of the network and its ability to facilitate access to needed services for new arrivals, network members need to be able to work together collaboratively. A case study involving services for an urban community in Atlantic Canada was undertaken in 2009 to explore how service organizations worked together to address the needs of recent immigrant families with young children. This paper focuses on provider perceptions of cultural competency among local service organizations and howthis influenced trust and desire to work together for the benefit of families. Methods: The case study utilized both social network analysis and qualitative inquiry methodology. Twenty-one of 27 selected organizations responded to the online social network survey, and 14 key informant interviews were conducted.