A Model Cultural Competency Handbook for Health Care Professionals: Creating an Ideal Handbook to Reduce Disparities
Abstract
Purpose: The first purpose of this paper is to develop a model that identifies and describes the primary categories that should be included in a cultural competency handbook for health professionals. Second, health care professionals who then provided constructive feedback examined the preliminary model. Lastly, a revised model was developed incorporating the feedback provided by the health care professionals.
Methodology: Focused interviews were conducted with ten professionals within the health care industry to ascertain the soundness of the cultural competency handbook model. All of the interviewees provided open ended responses during their interviews.
Results: The recommendations provided during the interviews were incorporated into the preliminary cultural competency handbook model. As a result, a revised version of the model was developed that included the following additions: Cultural Customs, Historical Perspective, Health Information and Privacy, Creating a Safe Space for LGBT Patients, Screening and Education for LGBT Patients, Translation Guidelines, Recommended Phrasing, Culturally Representative Photography and Font Type.
