Developing Cultural Competencies in Spiritual Care Presented by: Beth Lenegan, PhD David 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, PhD Director, Pastoral Care Department Roswell Park Cancer Institute David Scott, MS Director, 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 Diversity The condition of being diverse: variety; especially the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization – 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 GenderEducation Religious beliefsPhysical and mental ability RaceSexual orientation Marital StatusOccupation EthnicityLanguage AgeGeographic location IncomeVeteran 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 Responsibility Standards 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 Mind Is the foundation to Cultural Competency!

There Are Numerous Resources Available To Assist With Cultural Competence

Caring Across Cultures & Belief Systems A Resource Guide for Health Care Professionals in an Interfaith World Community Patients Community

Caring Across Cultures A 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 commu nity

Thank You!