In order to improve health care delivery and outcomes, providers must develop the cultural competence to serve patients from diverse cultures.

Western culture takes a biomedical approach to health care. However, many cultures take a more holistic approach that includes the body, mind, and spirit. Providers who work with the patient’s belief system, rather than against it or ignoring it, will have greater success in delivery and outcomes. Providers must also be aware of their own cultural filters in the health care delivery process.

To improve health care delivery and outcomes, providers should know the patient’s cultural views on:

1. Role of family (roles of members, hierarchy, key decision-maker)
2. Role of community
3. Religion (impact on diet, beliefs about illness, treatment)
4. Views on health and wellness
5. Views on death and dying
6. Eastern/western/alternative/traditional medicine.
7. Beliefs about causes and treatments of illness, disease (physical and mental)
8. Gender roles and relationships
9. Sexuality,  fertility, childbirth
10. Food beliefs and diet