Intersections between interprofessional practice, cultural competency and primary healthcare

Abstract

The concepts of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), cultural competency and primary healthcare (PHC) appear to be linked in theory and practice. This discussion article provides arguments explicating the potential linkages between IPCP and cultural competency. We argue that cultural competency is an important component of IPCP both for relationships with patients and/or communities in which providers work and between team members. Organizational structures also play an important role in facilitating IPCP and cultural competency. The integration of both IPCP and cultural competency has the potential to enhance positive health outcomes. Furthermore, we argue IPCP and cultural competency have important implications for PHC service design, given interprofessional teams are a key component of PHC systems. Linking these concepts in providing PHC services can be essential for impacting outcomes at all levels of primary healthcare, including patient, provider and systems.

• Cultural competency
• cultural safety
• interprofessional practice
• interprofessional teams
• primary healthcare

Notes

¹In this article, cultural competency refers to the group of competencies required by professionals for competent cultural care. It encompasses various models; this terminology is frequently used and generally well understood in healthcare (Carberry, 1998). Cultural competence as a model will be discussed later; this general term used here does not refer to that specific model.