Cultural competency: beyond the vital signs. Delivering holistic care to african americans.

Specific knowledge of African American communities, culture, and history is crucial to achieving culturally competent care. The unique and complex relationship that belief systems have to health care outcomes must be considered for all patients. This is even more apparent in the connection between religion and health outcomes for African Americans. However, as with all ethnic groups, nothing is absolute. Therefore, one must avoid stereotyping and recognize there are differences within each cultural group.