Cultural Competency Components
- Provider diversity: Racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity in the provider network
- Interpreter services: Professional interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency
- Translated materials: Patient education materials in multiple languages
- Cultural humility training: Training for providers on cultural humility and implicit bias
- Community health workers: Community health workers who share cultural backgrounds with patients
- LGBTQ+-affirming care: Providers trained in LGBTQ+-affirming care practices
Measuring Network Diversity
Employers can require carriers to report on provider network diversity — the racial, ethnic, and linguistic composition of in-network providers. Compare network diversity to the demographics of your workforce. If your workforce is 30% Hispanic but only 5% of in-network providers speak Spanish, there is a significant cultural competency gap that needs to be addressed.
Community Health Workers
IQ Insight
Community health workers (CHWs) — trained community members who provide health education, navigation, and support — are a powerful tool for bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. CHWs who share cultural backgrounds with patients are more effective at engaging hard-to-reach populations. Several carriers and TPAs offer CHW programs as part of their care management services.