Towards Cultural Competence in the Genomic Age: a Review of Current Health Care Provider Educational Trainings and Interventions

This article reviews the impact of cultural influences on the medical genomics and genetic counseling processes, as well as educational and interventional strategies available for health care professionals.Recent FindingsWhile cultural competence training and educational opportunities are available to most health care providers, there is limited published literature on the utilization and effectiveness of these interventions. Recent reviews acknowledge the equal importance of awareness, knowledge, and skills within cultural competence training and interventions; however, there is a lack of understanding of how a cultural competence framework should be developed and adopted in an increasingly diverse society. This suggests an opportunity to re-evaluate current practices through measured outcomes research. The most beneficial cultural competence training likely occurs when traditional coursework is complemented by cultural awareness and self-reflection activities intimately woven into training and patient encounters.SummaryCultural competence is a complex, multidimensional process that includes cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. A lifelong commitment to understanding and embracing culture is central to effective practice. Suggestions for promoting cultural competence within the health care professions are presented.
Source: Current Genetic Medicine Reports - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research