title: Where does culture fit in outcomes management?
abstract: The authors describe the concept of cultural competence and ways in which culture, a structure of care variable, is important to the delivery of culturally competent care. The role of culture in outcomes assessment and management is explored. The culture of the patient, the health care professional, and the organization is examined as it influences the potential to deliver culturally competent care. Strategies for developing a culturally competent work force are proposed with examples from ongoing projects in a large metroplex in the southwestern part of the United States.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Arlington, USA.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Cason
mesh_terms: D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D011361:Professional Competence; D014481:United States