 Who can
fulfill the role of cultural brokers in health care settings?
Almost anyone
can fulfill the role of a cultural broker. Most cultural brokers
assume multiple roles within health care and other settings
and their respective communities. Although cultural brokers
serve the same function, they come with different expectations
and have divergent experiences, yet aim to create a cultural
connection.
Cultural
brokers may be any of the following:
- outreach
and lay health worker
- peer
mentor
- community
member (family member, patient)
- administrative
leader
- nurse,
physician, physical therapist,
or health care provider
- social
worker
- interpreter
- program
manager
- health
educator
- board
member
- program
support personnel
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Cultural
brokers may work in these settings:
- community
health centers
- community-based
organizations
- government
offices
- churches,
mosque, kivas, plazas, temples, and other places of
worship
- schools
- universities
- hospitals
- faith-based
organizations
- migrant
communities
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Whatever
their position, cultural brokers aim to build an awareness
and understanding of the cultural factors of the diverse communities
they serve and of the ways in which such factors influence
communities. Cultural brokers may not necessarily be members
of a particular cultural group or community. However, they
must have a history and experience with cultural groups for
which they serve as broker including:
- the trust
and respect of the community;
- knowledge
of values, beliefs, and health practices of cultural groups; an
understanding of traditional and indigenous wellness and
healing networks
- within
diverse communities; and
- experience
navigating health care delivery and supportive systems within
communities.
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