The impact of cultural concordance between health professionals and patients: a narrative review

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable - narrative review

• Effect Size: Not quantified - narrative synthesis only

• Primary Outcome: Cultural concordance associated with improved communication quality, trust, satisfaction and perceived respect

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Variable effects across different patient populations and healthcare settings

• Confidence Interval: Not provided

Clinical Application

Requires long-term workforce development strategies and cultural competency training programs Highly relevant to Australian healthcare given similar multicultural population and Indigenous health disparities. Aligns with RACGP cultural competency standards and could inform medical workforce planning initiatives All patients in healthcare settings, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this article is to summarise international evidence on the impacts of cultural/ethnic concordance between patients and health professionals and to discuss the implications for New Zealand. METHOD: Database searches were conducted from August to September 2025 using Scopus, Embase and PubMed, using key terms related to health outcomes and cultural/ethnic concordance. RESULTS: A total of 25 relevant systematic reviews, meta-analyses and research studies were included for analysis. Overall, evidence is predominately from the United States of America and findings are variable. Cultural concordance is associated with improved communication quality, trust, satisfaction and perceived respect. Concordance is also associated with improved healthcare utilisation, medication adherence and uptake of preventative interventions. Some studies found concordance was associated with differences in clinical decision-making. Impact on clinical outcomes is mixed, with some studies finding concordance has a positive impact on caesarean section rates, diabetes management, surgical outcomes and addiction treatment, while others found no impact. CONCLUSION: Cultural concordance between patients and their health professionals matters, with evidence of impact on patient experience, communication quality, engagement and adherence, clinical decision-making and some clinical outcomes. Findings are inconsistent: the strength of association and groups which see the greatest benefit vary between studies. To reduce health inequities, we need to increase the diversity of the workforce and train all health professionals to provide non-racist, equitable care.

References

1. 1.Loring, B., & Reid, P. (2026). The impact of cultural concordance between health professionals and patients: a narrative review. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 139(1634). https://doi.org/10.26635/6965.7278