WHERE DOES CULTURE FIT IN OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT

The authors describe the concept of cultural competence and ways in wh ich culture, a structure of care variable, is important to the deliver y of culturally competent care. The role of culture in outcomes assess ment and management is explored. The culture of the patient, the healt h care professional, and the organization is examined as it influences the potential to deliver culturally competent care. Strategies for de veloping a culturally competent work force are proposed with examples from ongoing projects in a large metroplex in the southwestern part of the United States.