Provides healthcare workers with a frame of reference for understanding cultural difference and sound alternatives for providing the best possible care to multicultural communities.

Basic concepts -- Communication and time orientation -- Pain -- Religion and spirituality -- Activities of daily living and the body -- Family -- Men and women -- Staff relations -- Birth -- End of life -- Mental health -- Traditional medicine : practices and perspectives -- Improving adherence -- Making a difference -- Appendix 1: Cultural profiles -- Appendix 2: Selected religions -- Appendix 3: Dos and don'ts of providing culturally competent care -- Appendix 4: Tips for working with interpreters -- Appendix 5: Summary of case studies.