• M E Cooley and K Jennings-Dozier.
• University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, USA.
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 1998 Nov 1; 25 (10): 1729-36.

Purpose/ObjectivesTo describe aspects of culturally competent care. Two case studies of black American men who received treatment for prostate cancer are presented to illustrate the use of the explanatory model of illness as a guide for conducting a cultural assessment.Data SourcesPublished articles, abstracts, and books; case studies developed from interviews of black American men who received treatment for prostate cancer.Data SynthesisThe explanatory model of illness provides a vehicle for healthcare providers to examine the cultural values and health beliefs of the individual seeking professional healthcare. Knowledge about cultural values and beliefs is essential in order to provide culturally competent care. Beliefs about health and illness, use of a lay referral system, use of folk treatments, and the importance of family, community, and spiritual support are some of the cultural concepts that must be considered.ConclusionsCulture exerts an important influence on the illness experience of individuals seeking health care. However, culture has not received the same attention as biopsychosocial factors in nursing care. Given the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of the U.S. population, cultural competence must assume a more central role in healthcare delivery. Knowledge and mutual respect for cultural differences are necessary for culturally competent care to become a reality in a changing healthcare environment.Implications For Nursing PracticeOncology nurses need to increase their awareness of cultural variations and include them in the patient's plan of care.

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