Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cultural differences are an important issue in the healthcare system because they may lead to minority cultural groups receiving less appropriate healthcare services in comparison to the majority group. Healthcare providers need to recognize, diagnose, and address these challenges effectively by acquiring "cultural competency". The aim of this study is to methodically define, extract, and articulate the constituent elements of cultural competency within the specific contextual parameters of Iran. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This research represents a qualitative study conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2023 in 3 steps: 1. A literature review was undertaken to examine existing definitions of cultural competency in medical sciences 2. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical professors, cultural competency experts, and healthcare providers from different cities 3. Data extracted from literature review and transcribed interviews were imported into MaxQDa software and the content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: During the literature review 38 definitions were extracted. In addition, 14 interviews were conducted with 8 medical professors, 3 cultural competency experts, and 3 healthcare providers. From the analysis of the results of the literature review and qualitative study, 173 primary codes and two main themes (the essence of cultural competency and constructs of cultural competency were obtained. CONCLUSION: In this research, cultural competency is seen as a dynamic and evolving process. Various perspectives contributed to the definitions of cultural competency, demonstrating the inherently multifaceted nature of cultural competency, strongly tied to context, culture, and individuals. Moreover, various components were identified in four domains: cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and environmental for cultural competency.