Cultural Competence in Medicine: A Framework for Improving Health Outcomes for Indigenous and Minority Patients

This thesis examines issues underlying the health care discrepancies experienced by indigenous and minority patients, and explores the role of cultural competence in addressing these disparities. The author proposes a framework from which physicians can begin to understand the unique medical issues experienced by patients from different cultural backgrounds. This framework incorporates commonalities in indigenous healing traditions, the pervasive and continuing impacts of colonization and the current health issues faced by aboriginal communities and patients. Subsequently, the researcher presents the results of an interview-based study evaluating the opinions of 32 practicing physicians on issues related to cultural competence in medicine. These topics range from the effectiveness of current educational initiatives to suggestions for improving cultural competence in physicians to the viability of state-mandated cultural competence training as a requirement for medical licensure. The results illustrate the need for outcome-based studies to establish the effectiveness of cultural competence interventions for physicians. This work lays a foundation for preparing physicians to take an active role in easing the excessive burden of disease experienced by indigenous and minority patients. Keywords: Cultural Competence, Medicine, Indigenous, Health Car