Patients with lupus: an overview of culturally competent practice

This article examines the need for culturally competent social work practice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Because women are disproportionately impacted by this chronic autoimmune disease, and the majority of women are women of color, it is essential to address the related issues of health disparities among and between people of color, language and cultural barriers, and socioeconomic factors that impact those living with lupus. This article reviews the essential components of culturally competent social work practice, and provides implications for culturally competent program development, education and training, and direct service delivery.