Cultural Diversity in Health Care

Bell Work What does cultural diversity mean to you? Can you think of a culture different from yours that you have had an interaction with. What was “different” about it? Research a culture, religion, ethnicity, or race that would require sensitivity in healthcare.

Culture Set of values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, customs of a group of people Learned and shared Dynamic and changing

Ethnicity Classification of people based on national origin or culture Examples: African American, Asian American, European American, Hispanic American, Middle Eastern/Arabic American, Native American

Race Classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics Involves multiple cultures and ethnic groups

Cultural Diversity Differences based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors Must be considered when providing health care Healthcare providers must recognize and appreciate the characteristics of all patients

Areas of Cultural Diversity Family organization Language Personal space Touching Eye contact Gestures Health care beliefs Spirituality Religion

Cultural Diversity Impacts Beliefs about such things as: Birth Death Health Illness Health Care

Important Terms in Cultural Diversity Ethnocentrism: assumption of cultural superiority Oppression: result of ethnocentrism Stereotyping: the belief that all members of a cultural group act alike Dominant culture: prevailing group within a given society Minority group: those of fewer numbers Cultural assimilation: the absorption of the minority into the dominant culture

Components of Cultural Culture is composed of beliefs about: Activity - how people organize and value work. Social relations - structure of friendships, gender roles and class. Motivation - the value and methods of achievement. Perception of the world - interpretation of life events and religious beliefs. Perception of self - refers to personal identity, value, and respect for individuals.

Characteristics of Cultural Culture is learned Culture is not inherited or innate, but integrated throughout all interrelated components Culture is shared by all who belong to the cultural group Culture is tacit (unspoken) and understood by all in the cultural group Culture is dynamic

Cultural & Health Care How different cultures view the following variables affects health care in significant ways. Definition of health: what is it? Etiology: what are the origins of disease? Health Promotion and Protection: how is health achieved and maintained? Practitioners and Remedies: who and what can heal a person?

Cultural Roots Unlike opinions, preferences, and attitudes, which can change, cultural characteristics are deeply rooted and difficult to change. Clients reflect their cultural and ethnic heritage every time they interact with the world around them.

Cultural & Racial Influences on Client Care Culture and race influence client care in the areas of: Communication Orientation to Space and Time Social Organization

Communication Language differences can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Alternative methods of communication, such as flash cards and gestures, may have to be used. Family members or staff interpreters may also be necessary to intercede.

Orientation to Space and Time Issues around personal space and future orientation vary from culture to culture and impact the effective delivery of health care.

Social Organization Social organization refers to how different cultural groups determine rules of acceptable behavior. Examples include: Family Structure. Gender Roles. Religion.

Religion Culture is influenced by religion, which in turn affects beliefs and practices about health and illness. Spiritual and religious beliefs are important in many people’s lives. They can influence lifestyle, attitudes, and feelings about illness and death.

Personal Cultural Assessment Five areas to be examined in assessing one’s own culture and the influence it may have on personal beliefs about health care are: Influences from own ethnic/racial background. Typical verbal and non-communication patterns. Cultural values and norms. Religious beliefs and practices. Health beliefs and practices.

Client Cultural Assessment Six categories of information necessary for a comprehensive cultural assessment of a client are: Ethnic or racial background. Language and communication patterns. Cultural values and norms. Biocultural factors. Religious beliefs and practices. Health beliefs and practices.

Culturally Appropriate Care Respect clients for their different beliefs. Be sensitive to behaviors and practices different from your own. Accommodate differences if they are not detrimental to health. Listen for cues in the client’s conversation that relay a unique ethnic belief about etiology, transmission, prevention, etc. Teach positive health habits if client’s practices are deleterious to good health.

Examples http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/pastoral/resed/diversity_points.html