Cultural competence in clinician communication.

摘要

Some have suggested that cultural competence cannot be taught or learned and that some clinicians are just more sensitive than others when it comes to issues of cultural differences. Indeed, in some instances, we preach to the choir, if you will, regarding attitudes toward cultural competence. However, certain skills can be imparted to help all clinicians, regardless of their attitudes. As Dr Joseph Betancourt concludes, we would not accept substandard competence in other areas of clinical medicine, and cultural competence should not be an exception. (1)