Key Terms

bias

tendency for or against a thing, person, or group, usually in an unfair manner

competemility

word created to combine “competence” and “humility” for cross-cultural delivery of care

cultural assessment

method for systematically gathering information about a patient’s cultural beliefs, values, practices, and perceptions as they relate to health care

cultural broker

person who translates sociocultural differences between cultures

cultural competence

ability of health-care professionals to provide effective care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds

cultural humility

attitude of openness, self-reflection, and lifelong learning regarding cultural differences

cultural safety

aim of creating an environment that is safe, respectful, and affirming for individuals of all cultures, particularly those from marginalized or oppressed backgrounds

cultural sensitivity

awareness and recognition of cultural differences and the potential impact they may have on an individual’s beliefs, behaviors, and experiences

culture

characteristic beliefs, values, customs, traditions, behaviors, and artifacts shared by a particular group of people

ethnicity

social group that shares key cultural traits, including traditions, heritage, and ancestry

health disparity

difference in health outcome and access to health care between different population groups

race

social construct used to group people by certain physical, social, or geographic characteristics

socioeconomic status (SES)

measure of an individual’s social and financial standing in their community, encompassing factors such as income, education, and perceptions of social class

stereotype

widely held but oversimplified assumption about a particular group of people