What is the main goal of cultural competence in healthcare?

The main goal of cultural competence in healthcare is to enhance understanding of varied cultural practices. This understanding is crucial because it allows healthcare professionals to deliver more effective and appropriate care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Cultural competence involves recognizing and respecting different beliefs, values, and social practices, which can influence patients' health behaviors and their responses to treatment. By achieving cultural competence, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and foster a more inclusive healthcare environment.

This focus on understanding diverse cultural practices stands in contrast to minimizing interactions with diverse populations, ensuring uniform treatment regardless of individual needs, or enforcing standard protocols that may not take into account a patient's unique cultural context.