Cultural Competency in Health: A Guide for Policy, Partnerships and Participation

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has developed this guide to help policy makers and managers with culturally competent policy and planning at all levels of the health system. The guide draws together evidence on programs for increasing cultural competence and research on influences and determinants of healthy living and environments, within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. It gives practical strategies for increasing cultural competency (see Chapter 3 in particular) and where available, gives examples of evaluated programs at local level that aim to make a difference. Though developed for organizations in Australia, the model outlined in the guide for systemic change to increase cultural competence has relevance for health care professionals, policy makers and advocates in the United States.