Cultural sensitivity: integrating cultural concepts into clinical practice

Abstract

This paper draws insight from an assorted compilation of health care literature for the purpose of attaining a comprehensive perspective on issues encountered by health care professionals working with a culturally diverse clientele. The primary intent of this article is to provide clinically useful information geared toward enhancing quality health care services for people of various cultural backgrounds. Definition of difficulties experienced by practitioners and clients, as well as practical suggestions which may reduce ineffective treatment methods and increase successful treatment outcomes for individuals from diverse cultural identities are discussed. Deliberation of cultural issues will be limited to the African-American, Anglo-American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American Indian cultures.