Why cultural safety rather than cultural competency is required to achieve health equity: a literature review and recommended definition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Eliminating indigenous and ethnic health inequities requires addressing the determinants of health inequities which includes institutionalised racism, and ensuring a health care system that delivers appropriate and equitable care. There is growing recognition of the importance of cultural competency and cultural safety at both individual health practitioner and organisational levels to achieve equitable health care. Some jurisdictions have included cultural competency in health professional licensing legislation, health professional accreditation standards, and pre-service and in-service training programmes. However, there are mixed definitions and understandings of cultural competency and cultural safety, and how best to achieve them.

Methods

A literature review

SUBMITTER: Curtis E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6857221 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature