Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is a potential negative outcome of failing to provide culturally competent care?

1. Enhancement of communication

2. An increase in the cost of health care

3. Achievement of health indicators

4. Improvement in client compliance

The correct answer is: An increase in the cost of health care

Failing to provide culturally competent care can lead to an increase in the cost of health care due to several interconnected reasons. When patients do not receive care that respects their cultural preferences, beliefs, and practices, it can result in misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of trust between healthcare providers and patients. This often leads to patients avoiding necessary medical care, presenting later in the course of an illness, or requiring more intensive and costly interventions as a result of uncontrolled health issues. Additionally, when care is not culturally tailored, it may produce poorer health outcomes, which can necessitate more follow-up visits, additional treatments, and complications that could have been mitigated with appropriate preventive care or timely interventions. Therefore, healthcare costs can escalate significantly when providers do not prioritize culturally competent practices. By enhancing providers’ understanding of cultural nuances, health systems can significantly improve care delivery and patient satisfaction, ultimately reducing costs while improving health outcomes.