The Rise of Culturally Competent Care: Health Equity & Technology

The United States Census Bureau's 2020 statistical findings unveiled a significant increase in the nation's population diversity. In 2010, the likelihood of randomly selecting two ethnically or racially diverse individuals stood at 54.9%. By 2020, this figure had risen to 61.1%. Consequently, healthcare providers are actively pursuing solutions, leveraging both existing and emerging technologies, to address their most significant cultural challenges in patient treatment.

Cultural challenges in healthcare have been persistent throughout history. However, as the country becomes increasingly diverse, healthcare providers encounter a growing array of obstacles. Some challenges, such as those related to communication and language barriers, are more evident. For instance, patients with limited English proficiency may struggle to accurately describe symptoms, pose complex medical queries, express concerns, or fully grasp healthcare providers' responses.

Furthermore, diverse health practices across cultures, communities, and religions significantly influence provider-patient interactions. Patients may prefer Eastern or alternative medicine, while others may have specific expectations regarding modesty or privacy during examinations or discussions of personal information. A lack of cultural awareness among providers can lead to unintentional missteps, potentially making patients and their families feel marginalized or disregarded.

Another significant cultural challenge in healthcare is the pervasive sense of distrust among patients from certain cultures and backgrounds. This distrust may stem from lower health literacy levels or previous negative experiences with healthcare workers. According to a recent Deloitte survey of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American individuals, 55% reported losing trust in a healthcare provider due to a negative experience, and 36% admitted to skipping or avoiding care because of dissatisfaction with their provider's treatment.

Given the historical mistreatment of individuals from specific races and backgrounds in the medical community, it is imperative to recognize and address cultural barriers. This approach is essential for delivering high-quality care to everyone. Despite the significant challenges posed by cultural competence barriers in healthcare, they are not insurmountable. As discussed earlier, a range of digital and technological advancements can equip healthcare providers with the tools necessary to effectively navigate the challenges of treating a diverse patient population.

How to Provide Culturally Competent Care: Advancing Health Equity with Technology

By embracing and adopting technological solutions, healthcare providers can effectively bridge cultural gaps with patients and their families in a quick, confident, and efficient manner. Translation software products, apps, and tools, for instance, are becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings. The machine translation market size, valued at $982.2 million in 2022, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22.8% between 2023 and 2032, with the healthcare segment accounting for 20% of the market share in 2022.

Telehealth is another technology gaining traction, particularly among providers aiming to enhance their cultural competency. This approach involves offering virtual appointments supplemented with translation tools when necessary. Telehealth enables providers to accommodate patients who may be unable to visit healthcare facilities for various reasons. Although telehealth may not be suitable for all situations or treatments, it can play a crucial role in building trust with hesitant patients, especially those in low-income or rural areas.

Moreover, technology is being utilized to cultivate "softer" skills among providers, such as practicing more inclusive medicine. Access to cultural competency training is now more straightforward than ever, with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams facilitating workshops and remote conferences.

However, today's innovations represent just the beginning. Emerging technologies on the horizon are poised to facilitate even more culturally appropriate care than is currently available.

Future-Forward Healthcare Technologies Enhancing Inclusive Medicine

One such emerging technology is virtual reality (VR). VR devices, such as wearable headsets, are being tested in various medical capacities, including chronic and acute pain treatment. Research indicates that VR goggles can help patients reduce the intensity of pain sensations, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for conventional medications. As some cultures are hesitant to use traditional pharmaceuticals, VR technology could offer a viable alternative for patients experiencing physical distress.

Another technology garnering attention is wearable devices. These devices, worn by patients, transmit accurate health data to healthcare providers in real time. Studies suggest that wearable medical devices assist providers in delivering more personalized care while empowering patients to feel more in control of their health and privacy. Provided patients have access to the necessary wearables, these devices can minimize in-person visits to healthcare providers while supporting preventive health measures.

Technological Solutions: Advancing Healthcare Equity for All

Every individual, regardless of background, deserves equitable healthcare treatment. Traditionally, treatment has been delivered through a unicultural, one-size-fits-all approach. However, technology is demonstrating how healthcare can be individualized and customized, benefiting all patients, particularly those who have felt overlooked or underserved by traditional healthcare approaches.