Self-Assessment Checklist for Cultural Competence for Personnel Providing Primary Health Care Services

Directions: Please enter A, B or C for each item listed below.

A = Things I do frequently

B = Things I do occasionally

C = Things I do rarely or never

Physical Environment, Materials & Resources

1. I display pictures, posters, artwork and other decor that reflect the cultures and ethnic backgrounds of clients served by my program or agency.

2. I ensure that magazines, brochures and other printed materials in reception areas are of interest to and reflect the different cultures of individuals and families served by my program or agency.

3. When using videos, films or other media resources for health education, treatment or other interventions, I ensure that they reflect the cultures and ethnic background of individuals and families served by my program or agency.

4. I ensure that printed information disseminated by my agency or program takes into account the average literacy levels of individuals and families receiving services.

Communication Styles

1. When interacting with individuals and families who have limited English proficiency, I always keep in mind that:

Limitations in English proficiency are in no way a reflection of their level of intellectual functioning.

Their limited ability to speak the language of the dominant culture has no bearing on their ability to communicate effectively in their language of origin.

They may or may not be literate in their language of origin or English.

2. I use bilingual-bicultural staff and/or personnel and volunteers skilled or certified in the provision of medical interpretation during treatment, interventions, meetings or other events for individuals and families who need or prefer this level of assistance.

3. For individuals and families who speak languages or dialects other than English, I attempt to learn and use key words in their language so that I am better able to

4. I attempt to determine any familial colloquialisms used by individuals or families that may impact on assessment, treatment or other interventions.

5. When possible, I ensure that all notices and communiqués to individuals and families are written in their language of origin.

6. I understand that it may be necessary to use alternatives to written communications for some individuals and families, as word of mouth may be a preferred method of receiving information.

Values & Attitudes

1. I avoid imposing values that may conflict or be inconsistent with those of cultures or ethnic groups other than my own.

2. I screen books, movies and other media resources for negative cultural, ethnic or racial stereotypes before sharing them with individuals and families served by my program or agency.

3. I intervene in an appropriate manner when I observe other staff or clients within my program or agency engaging in behaviors that show cultural insensitivity, racial biases and prejudice.

4. I recognize and accept that individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds may desire varying degrees of acculturation into the dominant culture.

5. I understand and accept that family is defined differently by different cultures (e.g., extended family members, fictive kin, godparents).

6. I accept and respect that male-female roles may vary significantly among different cultures and ethnic groups (e.g., who makes major decisions for the family).

7. I understand that age and life-cycle factors must be considered in interactions with individuals and families (e.g., high value placed on the decision of elders, the role of eldest male or female in families, or roles and expectation of children within the family).

8. Even though my professional or moral viewpoints may differ, I accept individuals and families as the ultimate decision makers for services and supports impacting their lives.

9. I recognize that the meaning or value of medical treatment and health education may vary greatly among cultures.

10. I accept that religion and other beliefs may influence how individuals and families respond to illnesses, disease and death.

11. I understand that the perception of health, wellness and preventive health services have different meanings to different cultural or ethnic groups.

12. I recognize and accept that folk and religious beliefs may influence an individual's or family's reaction and approach to a child born with a disability, or later diagnosed with a disability, genetic disorder or special health care needs.

13. I understand that grief and bereavement are influenced by culture.

14. I seek information from individuals, families or other key community informants that will assist in service adaptation to respond to the needs and preferences of culturally and ethnically diverse groups served by my program or agency.

15. Before visiting or providing services in the home setting, I seek information on acceptable behaviors, courtesies, customs and expectations that are unique to the culturally and ethnically diverse groups served by my program or agency.

16. I keep abreast of the major health concerns and issues for ethnically and racially diverse client populations residing in the geographic locale served by my program or agency.

17. I am aware of the socioeconomic and environmental risk factors that contribute to the major health problems of culturally, ethnically and racially diverse populations served by my program or agency.

18. I am well versed in the most current and proven practices, treatments and interventions for major health problems among ethnically and racially diverse groups within the geographic locale served by my agency or program.

19. I avail myself to professional development and training to enhance my knowledge and skills in the provision of services and supports to culturally, ethnically, racially and linguistically diverse groups.

20. I advocate for the review of my program or agency's mission statement, goals, policies and procedures to ensure that they incorporate principles and practices that promote cultural and linguistic competence.

Source: Sutton, M. (2000). Improving patient care: Cultural competence. Family Practice Management, 7(9), pp. 58–60.