From the Guidelines
Healthcare providers must prioritize culturally competent care when managing metabolic disorders, as it significantly improves patient outcomes and adherence to treatment plans. This is supported by a 2021 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which highlights the importance of cultural tailoring of telehealth solutions to improve patient engagement and health outcomes 1. The study found that patient-centered outcomes research experience with the use of telehealth to address disparities showed improved patient engagement with culturally competent messaging delivered via telehealth interventions.
Key aspects of culturally competent care include:
- Incorporating cultural awareness and patient-centered communication into treatment plans
- Developing individualized care plans that acknowledge cultural dietary practices and belief systems
- Engaging with community representatives and patient advisory councils to inform the development of culturally tailored interventions
- Providing care that is linguistically appropriate, such as using certified interpreters and adapting language to resonate with diverse populations
For example, the MODEL study demonstrated the effectiveness of tailored motivational text messaging for improving diabetes self-care activities in medically underserved African American adults, with preliminary program results indicating high satisfaction and greater than 90% participant retention 1. Similarly, the Health-E You/SaludiTu study showed that cultural tailoring of telehealth interventions can improve their acceptance by populations at risk of disparities, with preliminary findings indicating high satisfaction and increased knowledge of contraceptive use among Latina adolescents 1.
The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in health care also emphasize the importance of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care, with guidelines that incorporate critical elements specific to diabetes and obesity disparities 1. By prioritizing culturally competent care, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce disparities, and ultimately achieve better health outcomes for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
From the Research
Cultural Differences in Managing Metabolic Disorders
- Cultural differences play a significant role in managing metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, as patients from diverse backgrounds may have different health beliefs, values, and practices that affect their adherence to treatment plans 2, 3.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of these cultural differences and adapt their care approaches to meet the unique needs of patients from diverse backgrounds 4, 5.
Ensuring Culturally Competent Care
- Culturally competent care involves providing care that is tailored to the patient's cultural, linguistic, and social needs 4, 6.
- Healthcare providers can ensure culturally competent care by:
- Using patient-centered approaches that take into account the patient's values, beliefs, and preferences 3, 5.
- Providing language-concordant care and using interpreters when necessary 4, 6.
- Being aware of the social determinants of health and how they affect patients' access to care and health outcomes 2, 5.
- Incorporating cultural and literacy-sensitive approaches into diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs 2, 6.
Benefits of Culturally Competent Care
- Culturally competent care has been shown to improve health outcomes, including glycemic control, among patients with diabetes 5, 6.
- Patients who receive culturally competent care are more likely to trust their healthcare providers and adhere to their treatment plans 3, 5.
- Culturally competent care can also reduce health disparities and improve health equity among diverse patient populations 2, 4.