The United States Census Bureau released its most recent statistical results in 2020, revealing a notable increase in the diversity of the country’s population. In 2010, the probability of randomly selecting two ethnically or racially diverse people was 54.9%. By 2020, this figure had increased to 61.1%. Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that healthcare providers are actively seeking solutions, including through existing and emerging technologies, to overcome their most significant cultural challenges in treating patients.
Have there always been cultural challenges in healthcare? Undoubtedly. Yet as the country becomes more diverse, health care providers face a growing number of obstacles. Some are more apparent than others, such as those related to communication and language barriers. For example, a patient with a basic understanding of English may have difficulty accurately describing their symptoms, asking complex medical questions, expressing concerns, or fully understanding a provider’s responses.
Additionally, different healthcare practices across cultures, communities, and religions significantly influence how providers interact with patients from different backgrounds or countries. Some patients, for example, may prefer oriental or alternative medicine. Others may have specific expectations for modesty or confidentiality during examinations or when discussing personal information. A lack of cultural awareness among providers can lead to unintentional missteps, which can cause patients and their families to feel discriminated against or neglected.
Another cultural challenge in healthcare is the general feeling of distrust among patients from certain cultures and backgrounds. This distrust may stem from a lack of health knowledge, but is often due to previous negative or questionable experiences with health workers. According to a recent Deloitte survey of Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans, 55% say a negative experience caused them to lose trust in a health care provider, and 36% skipped or avoided care because they didn’t like the way their provider treated them.
Since individuals from specific races and backgrounds have historically experienced mistreatment in the medical community, it is crucial to understand the different cultural barriers and work to overcome them. This approach is necessary to provide quality care to all. Although barriers to cultural competence in health care pose significant challenges, they can be overcome. As noted earlier, a range of digital and technological advancements can equip healthcare providers with the tools to effectively address the various challenges of treating a diverse patient population.
How to Provide Culturally Competent Care: Health Equity and Technology
By becoming familiar with and voluntarily adopting technology solutions, providers can quickly, confidently, and effectively bridge the cultural gaps they face with patients and their families. For example, translation software, applications and tools are increasingly common in healthcare establishments. According to Global Market Insights, the machine translation market size was estimated at 982.2 million in 2022 and is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 22.8% between 2023 and 2032. The healthcare segment accounted for 20% of this market share in 2022. This illustrates the growing need for translation services in the field of health.
Telehealth is another technology growing in popularity, particularly among providers looking to improve their cultural competency. This approach consists of offering virtual meetings, which can be supplemented with translation tools when necessary. Telehealth allows providers to accommodate patients who might not be able to come to a hospital, clinic, or office for a variety of reasons. Although telehealth is not suitable for every situation or treatment, it can help build trust with hesitant patients. It is particularly beneficial for low-income people or those living in rural areas.
Additionally, technology is being used to foster “softer” skills among providers, such as the ability to practice more inclusive medicine. A 2016 academic study of several hundred U.S.-based suppliers found that almost two thirds had received cultural competency training. Now, accessing such training is easier than ever, with tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams enabling remote workshops and conferences.
However, today’s innovations are not the limit. On the horizon, other disruptive technologies are emerging, poised to facilitate even more culturally competent care than is currently available.
Future health technologies for more inclusive medicine
What other emerging technologies are transforming healthcare? An example is virtual reality. Specifically, VR devices, such as wearable headsets, are being tested in various medical capacities, including the treatment of chronic and acute pain. Research suggests using VR glasses can help patients reduce the intensity of painful sensations, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for medications. While some cultures are hesitant to use conventional pharmaceuticals, VR technology could offer a viable alternative for patients suffering from physical distress.
A second technology gaining attention is wearable devices. Wearable devices worn by patients transmit accurate health data to healthcare providers in real time. A study on wearable medical devices indicates that these devices helping providers deliver more personalized care. Additionally, they provide a cultural benefit by allowing patients to feel more in control of their health and privacy. Provided that patients have access to the necessary wearable devices, these devices can minimize in-person visits to healthcare providers while supporting a preventative health regimen.
Technology Solutions: Improving Healthcare for All
Every person, regardless of their background, deserves health care. However, treatment has often been delivered using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Technology is now demonstrating how healthcare can be individualized and personalized. Technology innovations can potentially benefit all patients, particularly those who feel neglected or underserved by traditional healthcare approaches.
About Unmesh Srivastava
Unraveling Srivastava is the Director of Digital and Technology at Clever Care Health Plan. He has over 14 years of experience in healthcare technology and innovation, digital health, and value-based care technologies.
