A Systems Approach to Culturally and Linguistically Competent Care (Diversity‪)‬

When we think of cultural competence in healthcare, we often visualize an encounter between a patient and a caregiver. Culturally and linguistically appropriate patient-caregiver interactions are a hallmark of cultural competence. However, clinicians and caregivers cannot "go it alone" when it comes to delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate care, because care is practiced in an organizational context. In fact, Brach and Fraser (2000, 183) define cultural competence as an "ongoing commitment or institutionalization of appropriate practice and policies for diverse populations." Betancourt (2002) emphasizes that cultural competence is a reflection of the health system's ability to deliver care that meets patients' cultural, social, and communication needs. DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEMS APPROACH