title: The ethical dimensions of cultural competence in border health care settings.
abstract: Through thematic stories of patient and provider interactions on the U.S.-Mexico border, this article challenges the commonly understood definition of culture. It explores areas of concern related to cultural competency and medical ethics. Stories outline issues related to communication and comprehension, use of interpreters, gender and sexual orientation, traditional health care practices, socioeconomic status, age, health care settings, and involvement of community representatives. Policy recommendations address language, continuity of care, and health care professions education.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Byrd
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D017058:Mexican Americans; D011361:Professional Competence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D015206:Southwestern United States