"Cultural competence of the healthcare system is a key condition for achieving equality and quality in healthcare. It is also important for providing safer, more efficient, timely, and patient-centered health care. The concept does not represent a super-standard requirement, as on basic human rights and social justice, which is the foundation of modern society," Helena Kristina Halbwachs points out.

Based on the findings, she created a model for the development of cultural competence. She defined recommended development strategies at different levels in the health system, which must be introduced consistently and systematically. "Cultural competence is a requirement that every modern healthcare system should meet. It can only be achieved if the concept is integrated into all components and levels of the system, which calls for systematic and coherent measures at the level of the individual, the team, the organization, and the wider environment," says the doctoral student. She adds that diversity will only increase in the future, which additionally calls for implementing the concept of cultural competence in the Slovenian healthcare system as soon as possible.

"It is not just a point we can reach, but a process that never ends. It is necessary to strive for the system's shift to the cultural competence stage, reflected by a positive attitude and respect for diversity, constant critical reflection, and a commitment to understanding and taking into account diversity," emphasis.  

"All patients, regardless of where they came from, who they love, who they pray to, how they dress, what they eat, felt that they were treated competently, respectfully, without prejudice, and with a great deal of empathy. Only in this way will we be able to establish a confidential relationship, which is the basis for the success of medical care."