Cultural Proficiency
Cultural Proficiency At the most culturally capable end of the cultural competency continuum is cultural proficiency, which involves proactively seeking knowledge and information about other cultures, as well as educating others about other cultures. Cultural proficiency, as with any end point on a con- tinuum, is difficult to achieve and may not be sustained for a long period of time. Those rare individuals who can move seamlessly among
cultural sensitivity training for staff members. Such culturally open practices increase the likelihood that the health program will be culturally appro- priate, but they do not ensure its appropriateness. To ensure that the health program is culturally appropriate requires actively seeking information and integrating that information into the design, delivery, and evaluation of the health program. This process requires cultural competence.
Cultural Competence Cultural competence encompasses not only demonstrating respect for other cultures but also actively seeking advice and consultation from members of the less dominant cultural group about what is culturally appropriate from their perspective. Acting in a culturally competent manner requires various skills that one needs to acquire intentionally. These skills are more specific than listening and being respectful.
