Cultural Competency and Diverse Communities

This live 3-hour webinar for admin and reception staff focuses on improving cultural competency and supporting diverse communities within primary care. It helps staff work more confidently and respectfully with patients from different cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.

Session overview

Primary care teams serve increasingly diverse populations, and non-clinical staff are often the first point of contact. This session explores how culture, communication styles, health beliefs, and lived experience can shape patient interactions. It supports staff to offer more inclusive, respectful, and equitable service.

Outline of the session

• What cultural competency means in a healthcare setting
• Understanding diversity in the local patient population
• Avoiding assumptions and recognising unconscious bias
• Communicating across language and cultural differences
• Working effectively with interpreters and family members
• Respecting different beliefs, expectations, and experiences
• Supporting inclusion, trust, and dignity in administrative practice
• Practical examples from reception and access settings

Lecturer : Fadzai Mashingaidze