Cultural competence
Cultural competence standards set out what the Council expects of doctors when it comes to treating patients in a culturally diverse population such as ours.
These standards outline the attitudes and knowledge we expect of doctors when providing care to Māori and Pacific peoples, and the importance of developing skills around cultural awareness. The cultural competence standards also cover how the medical profession can address inequities in patient care and patient outcomes for different groups.
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New Zealand has a culturally diverse population. Cross cultural doctor-patient relationships are common, and doctors must demonstrate the appropriate attitudes, skills and knowledge when dealing with patients whose cultures differ from their own. This statement outlines what it means to be culturally competent, and the cultural competence standards we expect of doctors.
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To work successfully with patients whose cultural background may be different from their own, a doctor must demonstrate cultural sensitivity when interacting with patients. This statement outlines the attitudes, knowledge and skills relevant to doctors in their relationships with Māori patients and their whānau.
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To develop trusting and therapeutic relationships with patients from different cultural backgrounds a doctor needs to demonstrate the appropriate attitudes, awareness, knowledge and skills. This booklet explains the cultural diversity and place of Māori in New Zealand, and provides general guidance on Māori cultural preferences and specific examples around key issues.
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To work successfully with patients from different cultural backgrounds, a doctor needs to demonstrate appropriate attitudes, awareness, knowledge and skills. This booklet offers guidance on the cultural diversity and cultural preferences of Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
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This statement acknowledges that health inequities and inequalities continue to exist for Māori, and that there are disparities in the delivery of health care to Māori. It encourages all health organisations to examine their partnership with Māori through genuine engagement, representation and participation.