1. Cultural Diversity and Health Care

2. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
What is Culture?
Definition: the sum total of the way of living; includes values, beliefs, standards, language, thinking patterns, behavioral norms, communications styles, etc. Guides decisions and actions of a group through time.

3. Ethnicity Classification based on national origin
Share common heritage, geographic location and language
Example: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Middle Eastern American, Native American

4. Race
Classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics including:
Color of skin, hair, and eyes
Facial features
Blood type
Bone structure

5. Culture Assimilation
Process by which a person or a group’s language and or culture come to resemble those of another group.
Learn to adapt to the ways of the majority culture
Over time may not be able to tell difference
However, in the US, we are striving for a society where cultural differences are appreciated and respected.

6. Ethnocentrism The belief in the supremacy of ones own ethnic group
May antagonize and alienate people from other cultures
Rich people are superior to poor people

7. Stereotyping
The belief that everyone in a particular group is the same
Ignores individual characteristics and “labels” an individual
You are very tall, therefore, you must enjoy playing basketball

8. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
Expressions of Culture in Health Care
Health Belief Systems
Define and categorize health and illness
Offer explanatory models for illness
Based upon theories of the relationship between cause and the nature of illness and treatments
Defines the specific “scope” of practice for healers

9. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
The Culture of Western Medicine
make it better
Dominance over nature – take control
Activism – do something
Timeliness – sooner than later
Therapeutic aggressiveness – stronger=better
Future orientation – plan, newer=better
Standardization – treat similar the same

10. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
“Ours”
Make it Better
Control Over Nature
Do Something
Intervene Now
Strong Measures
Plan Ahead – Recent is Best
Standardize – Treat Everyone the Same
“Others”
Accept With Grace
Balance/Harmony with Nature
Wait and See
Cautious Deliberation
Gentle Approach
Take Life As It Comes – “Time Honored”
Individualize – Recognize Differences

11. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
Acquiring Cultural Competence
Starts with Awareness
Grows with Knowledge
Enhanced with Specific Skills
Polished through Cross-Cultural Encounters

12. Working with Interpreters
Qualifications
Bilingual, bicultural, understands English medical vocabulary
Comfort in the medical setting, understands significance of the health problem
Preserves confidentiality

13. Religion and culture Dietary practices
See attached

14. Cultural Diversity and Health Care
It is because we are different that each of us is special.