Promoting culturally appropriate interventions among vulnerable populations.

Evidence-based practice is critical for the improvement of interventions for culturally diverse and disadvantaged groups in the community. Nurses are strategically located in the line of patient care and must be grounded in knowledge related to the delivery of culturally appropriate intervention strategies. Although many of the health care disciplines have failed to conduct or disseminate culturally competent interventions among vulnerable populations, it is important to note that nursing has long been engaged in such activities. Clearly, all health care professionals must be provided with the tools that they need to give appropriate and effective care to patients and to conduct and disseminate relevant research about vulnerable populations. This chapter focuses on culturally competent interventions for ethnic and racial minority groups, women, and the mentally ill.