Cultural Competency in Healthcare: Improving Provider-Patient Relationships

Mpora Kakwanzi Evelyn

Department of Pharmacognosy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: evelyne.mpora@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Cultural competency in healthcare is essential to addressing disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes among diverse populations. Differences in race, ethnicity, language, and cultural beliefs influence healthcare experiences, often leading to miscommunication, mistrust, and suboptimal care. This paper investigates the importance of cultural competency, examining its impact on healthcare delivery, patient-provider relationships, and overall patient outcomes. Key components of cultural competency training, effective communication strategies, and best practices for fostering trust are discussed. By integrating culturally competent approaches, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction, improve health equity, and contribute to reducing disparities in care.

Keywords: Cultural competency, healthcare disparities, provider-patient communication, health equity, diversity in healthcare, cultural awareness.

CITE AS: Mpora Kakwanzi Evelyn (2025). Cultural Competency in Healthcare: Improving Provider-Patient Relationships. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(1):80-83. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/518083