The Case for Cultural Humility

To better serve an increasingly diverse patient population and reduce existing health disparities, many organizations have implemented cultural competency models. However, the current model many provider organizations have embraced is insufficient, and arguably outdated. This approach can create a false sense of understanding an identity group, perpetuate biases, and promote stereotypes.

Rather than striving for cultural competence, organizations should aspire to cultural humility. A cultural humility model—adopted at the institution and clinician level—better positions organizations to have a significant impact on building trust, supporting patients’ engagement in their care, and improving outcomes. Learn the four steps organizations can take to make the shift, in mindset and action, from cultural competence to cultural humility.