{"id":13057,"date":"2015-11-23T10:02:58","date_gmt":"2015-11-23T18:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nnlm.gov\/pnr\/dragonfly\/?p=13057"},"modified":"2026-02-03T17:09:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T17:09:28","slug":"where-are-you-really-from-multicultural-competence","status":"archive","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.nnlm.gov\/region_5\/where-are-you-really-from-multicultural-competence\/","title":{"rendered":""Where are you really from?": Multicultural Competence"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is cultural competency?\u00a0 Like many concepts, there is no one definition.\u00a0 Cultural awareness is a\u00a0fundamental element in cultural competence. Being aware and conscious\u00a0of cultural differences and similarities is important but so is the awareness of one’s own culture and recognizing and acknowledging the impact it has on those of other cultures. \u00a0Our\u00a0communities are becoming more and more diverse as people move from one place to another whether seeking education, better\u00a0opportunities or because of political turmoil, violent conflict, economic hardships, or for a variety of other reasons. \u00a0Imagine the fear and stress of coming to a country where language, transportation, money, housing, healthcare, laws, social customs are all very different and being expected to assimilate almost immediately! \u00a0But cultural competency isn’t just limited to new immigrants as many ethnic groups have been living here for generations or centuries before Europeans arrived but continue to be minority cultures.<\/p>\n

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Culture is often described as the combination of a body of knowledge, a body of belief and a body of behavior. It involves a number of elements, including personal identification, language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions that are often specific to ethnic, racial, religious, geographic, or social groups.” \u00a0Typically we think of ethnic or racial groups as cultures.\u00a0 This is true, they are indeed cultures but the term \u2018culture\u2019 can also be used to describe other social groups such as youth, rural, and specific disabilities or health conditions.\u00a0 For example you may have heard of deaf culture or culture of poverty.\u00a0 The terms \u2018community\u2019 or \u2018world\u2019 have also been used.\u00a0 But awareness of these various cultures is important in communication, in education, business and health.\u00a0 Our ability to interact with various cultures with sensitivity, awareness, and respect can affect disparities, opportunities, and successes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A person’s health is often impacted by the level of cultural competence hospital or health clinic personnel, policies and procedures, and delivery of healthcare. \u00a0When those who work in healthcare develop cultural awareness they are then cognizant and observant of their patients’ belief systems and customs and how that might affect how illness, healing, and healthcare are viewed\u00a0which\u00a0can have a positive effect by providing better service and\u00a0promote healing. \u00a0Providing culturally competent care can lead to a more patient-centered care without stereotyping and categorizing if done appropriately.<\/p>\n

But keep in mind, it isn’t just patients or library visitors who would benefit from a library or hospital who prioritizes\u00a0cultural competence. \u00a0Our co-workers and colleagues may be from various cultures and having management and administration aware of this diversity can make for a more respectful, \u00a0inclusive, and effective work environment. \u00a0We can all benefit by engaging with patients, with visitors, with our co-workers and neighbors allowing for better\u00a0communication and understanding as we work towards multicultural competence.<\/p>\n