What is the definition of cultural humility in healthcare?

Cultural humility is defined as a life-long process that involves individuals continually reflecting on and addressing the power imbalances that exist due to various social determinants such as race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, ability, and language. This concept recognizes that healthcare providers must engage in ongoing self-reflection about their own biases and societal privileges while seeking to establish respectful partnerships with patients from diverse backgrounds.

The emphasis on "life-long process" underlines the fact that cultural humility is not a static achievement but rather an evolving journey that requires commitment and openness to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. This process enhances the provider's ability to deliver equitable care, recognizing that cultural identities are complex and multifaceted.

Other options do not encompass the complete essence of cultural humility. Merely adhering to cultural stereotypes or seeing cultural training as a one-time event diminishes the depth and dynamism involved in understanding and addressing diverse patient needs. Similarly, using cultural assessments solely as a tool to measure satisfaction overlooks the critical relational aspect essential to culturally humble healthcare practices.