Cultural competence, cultural humility and cultural safety in medical care: from intercultural dialogue to health equity

Maikro Osvaldo Chávez Moya, Maikroilv@gmail.com, Leodanis Hernández Cabrera, Idel Veliz Lugo, Raulmel Rodríguez Sánchez, Arlett Caridad Bravo Delgado, Melissa Alonso Pérez, Mariam Alejandra González González and Andy Alonso Pazos

SAP Community and Interculturality in Dialogue, 2026

Abstract: Introduction: healthcare is delivered in diverse societies, where language and belief differences generate communication barriers and inequities. Cultural competence, humility, and safety are proposed as responses. Objective: to analyze the conceptual foundations, educational approaches, evidence on outcomes, and practical applications of cultural competence, humility, and safety, addressing language barriers, Indigenous peoples, migrants, and traditional medicine. Development: cultural competence is widely taught in medical curricula, yet its evaluation relies on self-reported measures, with scarce evidence of improved patient health outcomes. A shift is needed toward self-reflection, patient-defined safety, and structural determinants. Professional interpreters enhance communication, Indigenous-led governance is central to safe hospitals, and traditional medicine integration aligns with the WHO strategy. Conclusions: a culturally responsive medical practice requires combining individual reflection, longitudinal patient-centered training, language access, and institutional changes that share power with communities, grounded in an equity-based intercultural approach.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwf:cidart:cid2026186

DOI: 10.62486/cid2026186

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