In our increasingly globalised and multicultural world, cultural sensitivity is essential in healthcare. Medical practitioners must be aware of the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the communities they serve. In fact, the 2014 Lancet Commission on Culture and Health emphasised that neglecting culture can hinder “the advancement of the highest standard of health worldwide”. 

What does cultural sensitivity in healthcare mean? 

Cultural sensitivity in this context means practising healthcare in a way that considers a patient’s cultural background and beliefs. It involves recognising the unique aspects of each individual while providing the best care for their health needs. This approach, often referred to as “cultural competence,” involves being aware of biases, understanding cultural differences, and using this knowledge to enhance patient care.  

While the medical field aims to be objective in its approach and culture can be subjective, striking a balance between the two can support improved healthcare practices that address a diverse range of needs in patients.  

The NurseJournal identifies four components of cultural competence:  

1. Awareness of personal biases and assumptions. 
2. Attitude that encourages critical self-reflection and improvement in interactions with patients. 
3. Knowledge of the values and beliefs of different cultures.  
4. Skills to integrate awareness, attitude and knowledge into daily practice. 

This is just one of many approaches that can help medical teams provide culturally sensitive care. What remains true of any best practice in healthcare is that nuanced understanding and active engagement with patients and their unique circumstances supports better patient outcomes.  

Openness to diverse perspectives enhances patient trust, allowing for more effective care.

Why is culturally sensitive medical assistance valuable? 

In 2017, the WHO highlighted the importance of inclusive healthcare in its policy document, noting that the typical bias toward quantitative studies could not always fully capture “localized, subjective experiences of well-being and illness.”  

Understanding a patient’s cultural context, such as in South Africa where many rely on public healthcare, is a crucial complement to facts and figures. Many South Africans cannot plan to see their doctor by making an appointment but are required to stand in long queues at their local clinic. Often, this means leaving home extremely early to be first in the queue or taking a day off work to wait in line. To avoid unpaid time off, some may feel they can wait a little longer before going to the doctor, delaying necessary treatment.  

By overcoming cultural biases and assumptions, medical professionals can help to build more trust with their patients. Interestingly, the Wellcome Global Monitor 2020: Covid-19 report found that 56% of people surveyed trusted doctors and nurses a lot, with this number increasing to 62% in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s encouraging to see that these figures have increased significantly from the 2018 report. Trust can go a long way to opening doors to better communication that allows doctors and nurses to understand the problem in its entirety, reach an accurate diagnosis by asking the right questions and provide an effective treatment solution. 

Taking the time to understand a patient can help close the health gap and provide equitable care to patients. It can prevent misdiagnosis, patient non-compliance during treatment and recovery, and patient dissatisfaction. This ultimately contributes to enhancing medical care in a way that serves all people within a health practitioner’s community. 

Best practices for applying cultural sensitivity in medical assistance 

Healthcare practitioners can enhance cultural sensitivity through regular training and community engagement. Understanding the daily challenges patients face, such as accessing a clinic or taking time off work, can help identify gaps in care and improve service delivery. 

Language is another critical tool. While not all medical facilities have access to interpreters, healthcare workers can learn key phrases to improve communication. Misunderstandings due to language barriers can lead to incorrect diagnoses or ineffective treatment plans, so bridging this gap is vital. 

Sharing educational materials, tailored to different cultural contexts, can encourage patients to seek help. Rather than simply prescribing a treatment plan and telling people what to do, explaining the value of healthcare and involving patients in decision-making can help dispel fears or hesitation around seeking medical assistance. 

Finally, engaging family members and community leaders where appropriate can build collaborative partnerships. This kind of interaction and engagement fosters community buy-in and encourages patients to visit a clinic if there’s a problem. Relationship-building within communities is no longer something that can be neglected when it comes to ensuring the best patient outcomes in medical assistance.  

Ongoing education, stronger connections and adapting to the needs of diverse patient populations raises the global standard of healthcare.

Assist360: a proven commitment to cultural sensitivity 

Assist360 provides expert medical assistance, and emergency and risk response to individuals and organisations in challenging and remote environments. With over 20 years’ experience in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, our deep understanding of local contexts allows for swift, accurate responses in high-pressure situations where cultural insight is crucial.  

To see how our unique presence and approach make an impact, view our case studies page.  

Cultural sensitivity is not optional in healthcare – it’s a necessity. It allows for personalised care that addresses both medical needs and cultural contexts, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare equality and ensuring the best outcomes for all patients.