Developing CulturalCompetencies in

Spiritual CarePresented by:

Beth Lenegan, PhDDavid Scott, MS

Agenda• Introduction of Facilitators• What is Cultural Competency?• Why is Cultural Competency

important in Spiritual Care?• How Can Chaplains become

Culturally Competent?• What skills are required to be

Culturally Competent • What resources are available

Facilitators

Beth Lenegan, PhDDirector, Pastoral Care Department

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

David Scott, MSDirector, Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

What is Culture?

The learned or shared knowledge, beliefs, traditions, customs, rules, arts, history, folklore

and institutions of a group of people used to interpret experiences and to generate social

behavior.

Some Cultural Aspects

• Communication/Language• Sense of Time • Relationships• Dress/Modesty• Food/Diet/Preparation of• Beliefs/Values/ Traditions

Culture may influence:

• Health, healing, and wellness belief systems;

• How illness, disease, and their causes are perceived;

• The behaviors of patients/consumers who are seeking health care and their attitudes toward health care providers.

Culture defines how: - health care information is received;

• how rights and protections are exercised; • what is considered to be a health problem; • how symptoms and concerns about the

problem are expressed; • who should provide treatment for the

problem; and • what type of treatment should be given.

What is Cultural Competency?

Cultural competence refers to an ability to interact effectively with people of

different cultures. Having an appreciation for diversity!

Cultural competence requires organizations and their personnel to do the following:

»Value diversity»Assess themselves»Manage the dynamics of difference»Acquire and institutionalize cultural

knowledge»Adapt to diversity and cultural

contexts of individuals and communities served.

Defining DiversityThe condition of being diverse: variety; especially the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization

– www.merriam-webster.com• Define diversity in the broadest context to promote inclusion

of all people. Eliminate the stigma that diversity applies to only “protected classes.”

Dimensions of Diversity• Gender Education• Religious beliefs Physical and mental ability• Race Sexual orientation• Marital Status Occupation• Ethnicity Language• Age Geographic location• Income Veteran status

Why Is Cultural Competency So Important?

Health care services that are respectful of and responsive to the health beliefs, practices and cultural and linguistic needs of diverse patients can help bring about positive health outcomes.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations says that the professional who addresses the

spiritual needs of patients in the healthcare environment should be

Culturally Competent.

How can Chaplains become Culturally Competent?

• Assess the spiritual make-up of the community that surrounds your organization.

• Educate yourself on the spiritual needs of the community.

• Connect with spiritual leaders in your community to assist with providing services.

• Make your community aware of the culturally appropriate services you offer.

Chaplain ResponsibilityStandards of Practice

• Standard 7, Respect for Diversity

• The Chaplain models and collaborates with the organization and its interdisciplinary team in respecting and providing culturally competent patient-centered care

What skills are required to be Culturally Competent?

Keeping An Open MindIs the foundation to Cultural

Competency!

There Are Numerous Resources Available To Assist With Cultural

Competence

Caring Across Cultures & Belief SystemsA Resource Guide for Health Care Professionals in

an Interfaith World

Community

Patients

Community

Caring Across CulturesA Roadmap for Hospitals

• Each hospital has a different roadmap for advancing effective communication, cultural competence and patient-and family-centered care.

• Size, setting and resources will impact the implementation of A Roadmap….

• The hospital handbook reflects your patient who reflects your community

Thank You!