Culturally Sensitive Health Care

Abstract

Culturally sensitive health care is vital to the overall health of Americas population. Guarding against the ghettoization of cultural sensitivity as a special consideration that is only pertinent, when dealing with “the other”. The goal of culturally sensitive health care is not to stereotype, but to acknowledge specific beliefs, practices, and styles that are commonly noted within a cultural group (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Although, one has to remember that within a cultural group, sometimes a sub culture exists. So it is important to obtain to what extent the clients beliefs and practices the native culture. Cultural Insights can help you to communicate more effectively with specific groups in order to influence

(Spector, 1996) So, when interacting with those within the Puerto Rican culture, it is important to understand, that their culture tends to focus on the importance of balance and equilibrium, emotions, spiritual and/or religious causes of illness. (Torres, 2012) Also, that illness can occur in different spheres of the whole, which tend to consist of: The internal body, psychological, social, and spiritual. An imbalance or disequilibrium in any of these spheres can cause “disease” or illness. (Torres, 2012)

Puerto Rican Culture and Healthcare

In order to effectively treat and advocate for a Puerto Rican, they may be required to go against their strongly held biomedical beliefs and practices, in order to acknowledge a belief system that they may not believe in. Being flexibility is crucial if one is to provide health care services in which patients trust and feel comfortable using. (Pachter, 1995)

In order for the patient to feel comfortable discussing these issues with the healthcare provider. One must be able to objectively obtain information about the patient, without making the patient feel “stupid” for believing in concepts that have no basis in the biomedical system. (Torres, 2012)

In order to provide this culturally sensitive care, it is important for each health care practitioner to determine how far they feel comfortable in merging ethnomedicine with biomedicine. (Pachter,

Woman may have authority over the home and the activities within the home, when a family member needs medical care, the male head still gives permission to seek treatment. (Smith, 2000) Nuclear families with closeness to relatives. (a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children (Merriam-Webster.com). It is important for the healthcare worker to understand, relatives are expected to support the family both materially and emotionally, Elders are respected above all others. When naming a child both the father’s and mother’s names are used together as surnames. Directness is considered to be rude. Many Puerto Ricans are comfortable with use of less personal space, they tend to touch the people they are talking with. Friends tend to greet each other by kissing. (National Alliance for Hispanic Health,