Cultural competence has gained attention as a potential strategy to improve quality and eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in health care. In 2002 researchers conducted interviews with experts in cultural competence from managed care, government, and academe to identify their perspectives on the field. Researchers present their findings here and then identify recent trends in cultural competence focusing on health care policy, practice, and education. Analysis reveals that many health care stakeholders are developing initiatives in cultural competence. Yet the motivations for advancing cultural competence and approaches taken vary depending on mission, goals, and sphere of influence.
