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In the ever-changing demographic and cultural trends of ‘globalized’ society, health care systems need to be able to adapt flexibly to such changes and develop cultural competence. Culturally competent health care involves developing (1) culturally sensitive staff who are able to reflect on their own beliefs and practices and acknowledge diversity in the community, and (2) culturally appropriate materials, activities and systems that address linguistic, cultural and social barriers. Cultural competence in health care asserts the importance of health service users and providers being able to communicate clearly with each other. Training health care professionals to develop skills that enable them to deal with communication issues associated with cultural, linguistic and health literacy differences may be a good way to reduce inequities in health (Lie et al., 2012). Culturally competent health care systems can do this by helping health care professionals to develop cultural sensitivity, knowledge and skills and by instilling processes that will enable them to engage meaningfully with culturally diverse patients. Systematic reviews suggest that interventions that aim to improve cultural competence among health care professionals can help to increase their knowledge of cultural issues in health care (Renzaho et al., 2013) and improve patient and clinical health outcomes (Truong et al., 2014).

In addition to culturally competent health care, diversity and inclusivity can be promoted in other social contexts. For example, Andreouli et al. (2014) explored the role of schools in promoting inclusive communities. The authors argued that intercultural exchange can be promoted by examining how communities resist stigma and discrimination on a local level. While starting on a micro level, such approaches can be endorsed to build the foundations of health-promoting communities.

Future Research

1 Through access to historical documents, research psychologists can assist our understanding of the evolution of health beliefs.

2 Understanding popular health beliefs requires an appreciation of their social and cultural context.

3 The increasing development of alternative health care in Western society requires ongoing research.

4 The comprehensive and accurate measurement of perceived discrimination and its mechanisms, which contribute to poor health, require examination.

Summary

1 Human thought and practices are culturally immersed.

2 The Western view of health has moved through various stages from the classic to the religious and then the scientific.

3 The scientific view of health, or biomedicine, is the dominant view in contemporary society but other health belief systems remain popular.

4 Traditional Chinese Medicine remains popular in China and among Chinese migrants in other societies.

5 Ayurvedic medicine remains popular in parts of Southern Asia.

6 In Africa a wide variety of health belief systems emphasize spiritual aspects and a communal orientation.

7 In contemporary society there is increasing interest in various complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies, such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy and reflexology.

8 While debates are ongoing about the efficacy of CAM, guidelines and policies are being developed to ensure quality and safety.

9 Interventions aiming to promote indigenous health need to reflect the holistic notion of health among these communities and the voice of the community itself.

10 Racism continues to contribute to poor health among migrants, ethnic minority groups and indigenous peoples.

11 Culturally competent health care must aim to adapt to changing demographic and cultural trends.