Both student pharmacists and pharmacists practicing in today’s multicultural world will benefit from this book on improving cultural competence. It is designed for readers to explore their own cultural background and the health care needs inherent across cultures, as well as to hone communication and competency skills needed to work effectively with patients and other health care providers from diverse cultures. The text is divided into four parts: Exploring and Assessing Cultural Competence, A Primer on Cultures, Cultural Identity and Communication, and Cultural Competence Resources.

Self-assessment exercises throughout the book enable readers to learn more about their own cultural background and beliefs. Essentials of Cultural Competence in Pharmacy Practice provides an understanding of many cultures in the United States and of diagnoses, disease states, and epidemiology that affect patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Expansive appendices provide practical, easily accessible lists of print, Internet, and film resources.

Table of Contents
Unit 1. Exploring and Assessing Cultural Competence
– Cultural Competence
– Cultural Self-Assessment
Unit 2. A Primer on Cultures
– Cultural Guidelines
– Hispanic/Latino Patients
– African American Patients
– Caucasian Patients
– Native American Patients
– Asian American Patients
– Refugees and New Americans
– Biracial and Bicultural Patients
– Aging Patients
– Low Health Literacy
– Patients with Disabilities
– Spirituality and Religion in Pharmacy Practice
– The Culture of Domestic Violence
– European Patients in Urban and Rural Areas
– Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients
Unit 3. Cultural Identity and Communication
– Cultural Identity Models
– Cross-Cultural Communication
Unit 4. Cultural Competence Resources
• Appendix A. Internet Resources
• Appendix B. Film and Print Resources
• Appendix C. Organizations
• Appendix D. Characteristics of Major Religious Groups