Cultural Competency: Why it Matters

A discussion of the role of culture in shaping news coverage and healthcare priorities.

What is cultural competency?
Cultural competency was described as the recognition by people in the medical profession that they may have limited knowledge of some ethnic groups.
It was recommended that they turn to others for assistance. This is especially important when there is a language barrier between the medical professional and the patient, because the way a physician talks to a patient from a different ethnic group could have a significant impact on the quality of care.

It is important that healthcare professionals and the media learn as much as they can about the cultures of ethnic communities. A person's cultural background influences how that person responds to others, especially those of a different ethnic group. Journalists routinely write stories based on their backgrounds.

A diverse workforce
The healthcare field should vigorously recruit workers from a diverse population. The media could play a role in educating the public to this need as the nation's demographic makeup changes.

Informing the public
News stories about health care inform the public. Participants encouraged the media to write more stories about the new drugs available to lower cholesterol, while medical professionals were advised to learn how to use the media to get health stories told.

Participants' thoughts and recommendations:
Why PABJ Chose This Issue
Forum Panel Members
Race: The X Factor
Healthcare Coverage: Politics and the Community
Making the Grade: Is it Ready for Prime Time?
The Untold Story: What are we Missing?
Putting the Public Back in Public Service Journalism
New Directions in News: Listen Up!
Mailing List of Participants

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