Cultural Broker Theory: The Theory Of Cultural Brokering

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The Theory of Cultural Brokering Cultural brokering is a concept that has been part of history since cultures first started interacting with each other (Goode, 2004). Jezewski (1995) described cultural brokering as the act of connecting, mediating or linking groups of people with different cultural backgrounds, with the underlying purpose of resolving conflict or instilling positive change. A cultural broker, as described by Jezewski (1995), is a mediator or liaison who advocates on behalf of the group or individual they are representing. The concept of cultural brokering has not however, always been present within the world of health care. Goode (2004), notes that it was not until the 1960s that the concept of cultural brokering began to be reviewed and implemented within the health care industry. Within the health care context, Wegner (1995) defines cultural brokering as an intervention through which professionals use cultural and health science knowledge and skills to negotiate with the patients and health care system. Wegner (1995) …show more content…

It is called the Cultural Broker Project and is being employed to encourage the use of cultural brokering within health care to increase access to and enhance delivery of truly cultural competent care (Goode, 2004). The NHSC realizes the significance cultural brokering can have on effective health care delivery within the cultural diverse industry (Goode, 2004). The program aims to promote cultural brokering in order to help eliminate racial and ethnical disparities within health care settings (Goode, 2004). It also looks to define what makes a good cultural broker and provide guidance and support to anyone wanting to know more about how to implement effective cultural brokering (Goode,

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