The United States Census Bureau released its most recent statistical findings in 2020, revealing a notable increase in the diversity of the nation’s population. In 2010, the likelihood of randomly selecting two ethnically or racially diverse individuals was 54.9%. By 2020, this had risen to 61.1%. Given these figures, it is unsurprising that healthcare providers are actively seeking solutions, particularly through existing and emerging technologies, to overcome their most significant cultural challenges in patient treatment.
Have there always been cultural challenges in healthcare? Undoubtedly. Yet, as the country becomes more diverse, healthcare providers encounter an increasing 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 might struggle to accurately describe symptoms, ask complex medical questions, express concerns, or fully comprehend a provider’s responses.
Additionally, varying health practices across cultures, communities, and religions significantly influence how providers interact with patients from different backgrounds or countries. Some patients, for instance, may prefer Eastern or alternative medicine. Others might have specific expectations regarding modesty or privacy during examinations or while discussing personal information. A lack of cultural awareness in providers can lead to unintentional missteps, potentially causing patients and their families to feel discriminated against or overlooked.
Another cultural challenge in healthcare is the general feeling of distrust held by patients from certain cultures and backgrounds. This distrust may stem from lower health literacy, but it is often due to previous negative or questionable experiences with healthcare workers. According to a recent Deloitte survey of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American people, 55% say a negative experience caused them to lose trust in a healthcare provider, and 36% have skipped or avoided care because they did not like the way their provider was treating them.
Given that individuals from specific races and backgrounds have historically faced mistreatment in the medical community, it is crucial to understand different cultural barriers and work to overcome them. This approach is necessary to deliver high-quality care to everyone. Despite the significant challenges that barriers to cultural competence in healthcare pose, they can be overcome. As discussed 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 learning about and willingly adopting technological solutions, providers can quickly, confidently, and efficiently bridge the cultural gaps they face with patients and their families. For example, translation software products, apps, and tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings. According to Global Market Insights, the machine translation market size was valued at 982.2 million in 2022 and is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 22.8% between 2023 and 2032. The healthcare segment accounted for 20% of that market share in 2022. This illustrates the growing need for translation services in healthcare.
Telehealth is another technology gaining popularity, particularly among providers seeking to enhance their cultural competency. This approach involves offering virtual appointments, which can be supplemented with translation tools when necessary. Telehealth allows providers to accommodate patients who might be unable to visit a hospital, clinic, or office for various reasons. Although telehealth is unsuitable for all situations or treatments, it can be instrumental in building trust with hesitant patients. It is especially beneficial for low-income individuals or those 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 providers found that nearly two-thirds had received cultural competency training. Now, access to such training is more straightforward than ever, with tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams enabling workshops and remote conferences.
However, today’s innovations are not the limit. On the horizon, other disruptive technologies are emerging, poised to facilitate even more culturally appropriate care than is currently available.
Future-Forward Healthcare Technologies Powering More Inclusive Medicine
What are some other emerging technologies transforming healthcare? One example is virtual reality. Specifically, VR devices, such as wearable headsets, are being tested in various medical capacities, including chronic and acute pain treatment. Research suggests that using VR goggles can help patients reduce the intensity of pain sensations, potentially decreasing or eliminating the need for medications. As some cultures are hesitant to use conventional pharmaceuticals, VR technology could offer a viable alternative for patients experiencing 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 assist providers in delivering more personalized care. Moreover, they offer a cultural advantage by enabling patients to feel more in control of their health and privacy. Provided patients have access to the necessary wearables, these devices can minimize in-person visits to healthcare providers while supporting a preventive health regimen.
Technological Solutions: Improving Healthcare for All
Every person, regardless of background, deserves healthcare treatment. However, treatment has often been delivered through a unicultural, one-size-fits-all approach.
Technology is now demonstrating how healthcare can be individualized and customized. Tech innovations have the potential to benefit all patients, particularly those who have felt overlooked or underserved by traditional healthcare approaches.
About Unmesh Srivastava
Unmesh Srivastava is the chief digital and technology officer at Clever Care Health Plan. He has over 14 years of experience in healthcare technology and innovation, digital health, and value-based care technology.
