At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, cultural competency in health care means delivering effective, quality care to patients who have diverse beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors. We recognize that cultural differences and social determinants of health influence health outcomes and care delivery.
We are committed to helping all members lead healthy lives and ensuring equitable access to the environments, experiences, and education needed for good health.
Embracing language and cultural diversity is key to building cultural competency and providing equitable health care. Below are best practices to reduce health care disparities and improve care outcomes:
- Evaluate your patient panel to understand their needs.
- Consider training and courses to support the evolving needs of your patients.
- Know and understand your local community.
- Identify ethnic groups and languages spoken in your area.
- Communicate effectively using plain language, appropriate body language, signs, brochures, and other printed materials that reflect your community.
- Identify patient’s preferred language and arrange for interpretation services, if needed.
Cultural competency is essential for effective shared decision making. Consider and acknowledge cultural differences to help build relationships with your patients during shared decision making.