1. Cultural Diversity

2. What is the difference between culture, ethnicity, and race?

3. Culture – the values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors and customs unique to a particular group of people and passed down from one generation to the next
Culture is learned
Culture is shared
Culture is social in nature
Culture is constantly changing

4. Common ethnic groups in U.S.:
Ethnicity – classification of people based on national origin and /or culture
Common ethnic groups in U.S.:
African American
Asian/Pacific American
European American
Hispanic American
Middle Eastern/Arabic American
Native American

5. Race – classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics such as color of skin, hair, and eyes.

6. What is cultural diversity?
Differences based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors.
Why is it important for healthcare workers to understand cultural diversity?

7. Cultural sensitivity – the ability to recognize and appreciate the personal characteristics of others
Ex: Native American or Asian culture: calling an adult by first name is not acceptable, so always address a patient by last name unless given permission to use first name.

8. Holistic care – caring for the whole person
Holistic care – caring for the whole person. Taking care of not only physical needs, but also social, emotional, and mental needs.

9. Understanding Cultural Diversity
Areas of cultural diversity include:
Family organization
Language
Personal space
Touching
Eye contact
Gestures
Healthcare beliefs
Spirituality
Religion

10. Family Organization Nuclear family Extended family Patriarchal family
Matriarchal family

11. Language Provide interpreter if necessary Speak slowly
Use nonverbal communication as well as verbal
Use pictures to clarify meaning of words

12. Personal Space
The distance people require to feel comfortable while interacting with others
Varies among cultural groups
Read DHO pg 255 Personal Touch and Space for examples

13. Eye Contact Different among different cultures
European American view it as polite and showing interest
Asian Americans may consider it rude
Native Americans may use peripheral vision
Hispanics may use brief eye contact

14. Gestures
While pointing may be acceptable in some cultures it can be considered rude in Asian and Native American cultures.

15. Healthcare Beliefs
Graphic organizer

16. Religious Beliefs
Graphic organizer

17. Respecting Cultural Diversity
Listen to patients as they express their beliefs
Appreciate differences in people
Learn more about the cultural and ethnic groups that you see frequently
Recognize and avoid bias, prejudice, and stereotyping
Ask questions to determine a person’s beliefs
Evaluate all info before forming an opinion

18. Allow patients to practice and express their beliefs as much as possible
Remember that you are not expected to adopt their beliefs, just respect them
Be sensitive to how patients respond to eye contact, touch, and invasion of personal space
Respect spirituality, religious beliefs, symbols, and rituals