Migrants and refugees new to New Zealand have different experiences and expectations of healthcare based on healthcare systems in their countries of origin. Understanding that health beliefs, attitudes and practices differ between cultures and exploring these differences is the first step towards establishing trust and rapport with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients and families.
We need a culturally competent health workforce with skills, attitudes and knowledge to respond to the diverse and unique needs of CALD migrants and refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern, African and European countries. These communities face barriers to access and inequities in health care provision in New Zealand compared to other groups in our society.
Cultural competence is pivotal for addressing inequities and culturally safe care, as culture and language may influence:
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand - Commissioning Directorate has commissioned eCALD® Services to provide cultural competency training programmes for the general health workforce to enhance cultural understanding, attitudes, knowledge and skills to work more effectively with CALD communities.
Related links
View 'Cultural Competency' courses for the general health workforce.