In fact culture is the most influential factor in determining health beliefs and behaviors (Campinha-Bacote, 2003). Cultural competence involves being aware, sensitive, and knowledgeable in the diverse cultures that exist in the population. Health care providers need to not only embrace cultural diversity but must also strive for cultural competence in order to ensure that all patients receive the best care possible. Nurses spend the most time with their patients. Therefore, if nurses
In nursing, providing quality care requires a strong foundation of information and sensitivity to culture and diversity. Culture involves all parts of society – from behavioral patterns, to beliefs, to all other products of human work and thought. Jeffreys (2005) reported statistics from the census results of 2000 showing that not only are the patients becoming more diverse due to immigration and multiethnic relationships, but the healthcare staff is also changing. Ethically, the nurse’s job demands cultural sensitivity to give the best health care (Jeffreys, 2005). Culturally competent health care can be achieved through self-reflection and continued self education.
One of the biggest barriers can be language barriers which can lead to miscommunication which can lead to further problems with the wrong treatment or over-diagnosis. Some areas that physicians can have non-verbal communication is by watching facial expressions, tone of voice, sense of touch, sense of smell and body motions. A physician should be able to tell by personal physical reactions by signals and
Patients quite rightly expect to be well cared for by the NHS across all healthcare settings. Care should be high quality, focus on the patient and be safe. However, recent publicity has highlighted that in some cases these goals are not met. In addition, patients and carers may be anxious that the current financial pressures might affect the care they receive. The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement has been working with a wide range of NHS trusts to improve patient care.
Addressing Health Disparities among Minorities with Cultural Competence Cultural competency has become a relevant issue in providing quality competent care within the health care system. Since the United States’ population is comprised of a diverse racial and cultural background cultural competency has become even more significant. Beliefs and approaches to health differ greatly from culture to culture because culture tends to shapes the way we think, act, interact with others, but most importantly the way we respond to sicknesses. These differences can serve as an immense resource for those who want to learn or explore how cultural differences can help to influence healthcare outcome. At the same time, this can pose enormous challenges to the healthcare provider who is called upon to deliver culturally competent care.
Health Disparities and Cultural Competence Margarone Momplaisir University of Texas at Pan American Professional Issues in Nursing Practice NURS 6209 Dr. Debra Otto Dr. Pam Sullivan April 26, 2011 Introduction Cultural competence has become a relevant issue in providing quality care within the health care system. Since the United States’ population is comprised of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, cultural competence has become even more significant. Beliefs and approaches to health differ greatly from culture to culture because culture tends to shape the way we think, act, interact with others, but most importantly the way we respond to illnesses. These differences can serve as an immense resource for those who want to learn or explore how cultural differences can help to influence healthcare outcome. At the same time, this can pose enormous challenges to the healthcare provider who is called upon to deliver culturally competent care.
Choice of words is important to express and explain what you are trying to say. Certain dialects and phases can help the patient/colleague or relative understand what is being said. Communication is a 2 way process of reaching a mutual understanding and when we need to share information it is important to ensure all understand; team work ensures continuity of care for patients. It is important to ask questions but to actively listen to the answers, sometimes repeating back what has been said or saying it back as a question can help develop communication. Explain why you should be aware of individual’s reactions when communicating with them.
ACKNOWLEDGE. Acknowledgement of the event includes listening to the who, what, and when, of the event “story.” When speaking to the patient, bystanders or family, it is important to make sure not to jump to the “why” or “how” questions. This can lead to judgmental statements rather than simply the facts. FACILITATE UNDERSTANDING. This step involves encouraging the expression of difficult emotions, and helping patients understand the impact of the critical event.
‘It is important to use care plans to communicate well. It can help you to understand what another person is saying. It also means that they can express their own needs and concerns. When you are seriously ill, there will be many things that need to be discussed.’ Source- http://www.caresearch.com. This is showing how important a care plan is so there isn’t a breakdown of communication as you will know the service users needs.
COMMUNICATION THEORY Andres Nicholas HCS/320 David Bull April 22, 2012 The key to success in every company or industry is communication. Communication is the vital component in the health care industry because keeping open communication with patients makes the job easier. Working in the health care industry, healthcare professionals are exposed and challenged with different cultures, race, beliefs, and gender. All patients are unique in their own and we as healthcare professionals must learn how to accommodate to the patients way of communication before we can provide or explain the healthcare treatment. At Baylor College of Medicine Healthcare facilities and our affiliated hospitals, we strive for the customer satisfaction.