Cultural competency skills

Consider the following guidance on improving and/or developing cultural competency skills:

• Define a set of values and principles for the practice
• Demonstrate behaviors, attitudes, policies, and structures that enable staff to work effectively in cross-cultural settings
• Develop capacity to (1) value diversity, (2) conduct self-assessment on personal beliefs and attitudes with respect to culture diversity, (3) manage the dynamics of cultural differences, (4) acquire and institutionalize cultural knowledge and (5) adapt to diversity and the cultural contexts of the communities they serve.
• Understand the role played by traditions and cultures in influencing a family’s attitudes towards clinical advice and expertise.
• Listen and observe carefully when working with families with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds to learn from the family. Knowing and respecting diverse traditions can help building trusting relationships and increase the likelihood families will be receptive to the clinical recommendations. 

List complied from Bright Futures Promoting Family Support, HRSA Culture Language and Health Literacy, and SAMHSA Improving Cultural Competence.