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Cultural diversity in the medical field
Cultural diversity in the medical field
Cultural Differences Among Patients in the Medical Field
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Autoethnography of Culture and Diversity
“Questioning the ostensibly unquestionable premises of our way of life is arguably the most urgent of the services we owe our fellow humans and ourselves” (Bauman, 1998, p. 5). As a result, my way of life and the health care services I provide are shaped by my personal assumptions and beliefs while influenced by my father, mother, and their ancestors. Consequently, this paper will evaluate my personal assumptions and beliefs regarding my culture, religion, and diversity and how these factors influence how I view myself, patients, members, and my community. Lastly, an assessment and plan of care for specific individuals, groups, and communities, using appropriate epidemiological principles will be presented.
More specifically for this assignment, these personal assumptions and beliefs will be explored when dealing with a specific population group, members diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, MS. According to the World Health Organization, MS usually begins between the ages of twenty and fifty with the disease twice as common in women as in men (World Health Organization, 2008). In 2013, about 2.3 million people were affected globally with rates varying widely in different regions and populations (World Health Organization, 2008). Furthermore, MS is the most frequently seen
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Although my mother did not work outside the home, she worked diligently, relentlessly, and efficiently in our home. I can recall her baking and selling cakes, babysitting for other mothers, and preparing balanced meals as we enjoyed the luxuries of an organized, clean, well-maintained ranch style home that my father had built. Her day started before her kids woke up in the morning and didn’t end until late in the evening, long after we were in
Jean Giddens (2013) defines culture as “a pattern of shared attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, roles, and values that can occur among those who speak a particular language, or live in a defined geographical region.” (Giddens, 2013). A person’s culture influences every aspect that person’s life. Beliefs affected by culture include how someone interacts within the family, how to raise children, the types of foods eaten, the style of clothes chosen, which religion is practiced, and the style of communication (including verbal, and body language, slang used etc.) (Giddens, 2013). In addition to these beliefs, health care practices are also affected by culture. The cause
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the myelination of the central nervous system, leading to numerous issues regarding muscle strength, coordination, balance, sensation, vision, and even some cognitive defects. Unfortunately, the etiology of MS is not known, however, it is generally thought of and accepted as being an autoimmune disorder inside of the central nervous system (Rietberg, et al. 2004). According to a study (Noonan, et al. 2010) on the prevalence of MS, the disease affects more than 1 million people across the world, and approximately 85% of those that are affected will suffer from unpredictably occurring sessions of exacerbations and remissions. The report (Noonan, et al. 2010) found that the prevalence of MS was much higher in women than in men, and that it was also higher in non-Hispanic whites than in other racial or ethnic groups throughout the 3 regions of the United States that were studied.
Ethiopia is a country located at the horn of Africa and home to a variety of cultural and linguistically diverse population. Ethiopian history dates back 3000 years and is rich with culture and values. The World Bank (2013) statistics reports Ethiopia as the second densely populated country in Africa as well as the poorest. As such, 38.7% of Ethiopians live below poverty line and the countries per capital income is estimated to be $410 (World Bank, 2013). Still, the Ethiopians are recognized as a friendly and gracious people. In Ethiopia guests are respected and treated well. When an Ethiopian greets others it is with a smile and a warm hand shake. As well they expect to be treated with warmth and respect when they meet others. In addition Ethiopians have a hierarchal respect system in which the elderly are given the utmost respect (Center for Cultural Learning, 2009). Other cultural distinctions noticed are Ethiopians do not like to divulge their illness to others and physicians rarely tell a terminal patient that his or her illness is terminal because of the belief that sharing such devastating news would discourage the patient from the will to live. Instead the news is shared with loved ones so that they can provide emotional support (Mabsout, 2011). Lastly Ethiopia is a Black country and so there is no color distinction associated within the population. Thus an Ethiopian who migrates to America faces a variety of societal differences within the United States. In this paper the author will discuss the author’s cultural and ethnical background and discuss how the author’s cultural value influenced the nursing experience.
However, culture is not restricted to ethnicity, race, or religion, and we are all part of many different subcultures that exist within other cultures. Subcultures may include areas of interest such as cancer survivors, senior citizens, and may even represent common needs, such as the specific needs of the homeless. “Understanding the complexities of culture from the perspectives of the providers and the recipients of care is critical because culture pervades all aspects of health care as it does all aspects of life” (Schim, Doorenbos, Benkert, & Miller, 2007, p.
Culturally competent cares in the medical field can make a huge difference in the satisfaction and the healing of patients who are guests in the facilities that we will be at. In central Minnesota we have the privilege of having many different cultures in a small area. With many people immigrating here from their homeland it is important, as health care professionals, to have an understanding of the many different beliefs and traditions that we may come across in our personal and professional lives.
By every individual accepting and acknowledging that we are all different then there will be mutual respect for each other’s cultural difference. When these differences are explored in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment, they are more than simply tolerating others but that through these differences are instead commended and embraced. People become aware of each other’s difference and uniqueness such as religion, sexual orientation, race, gender, age and beliefs. When this is embraced by the health care providers then there will be improved care.
According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The central nervous system (CNS) comprises of the brain and the spinal cord. CNS is coated and protected by myelin sheath that is made of fatty tissues (Slomski, 2005). The inflammation and damage of the myelin sheath causing it to form a scar (sclerosis). This results in a number of physical and mental symptoms, including weakness, loss of coordination, and loss of speech and vision. The way the disease affect people is always different; some people experience only a single attack and recover quickly, while others condition degenerate over time (Wexler, 2013). Hence, the diagnosis of MS is mostly done by eliminating the symptoms of other diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects both men and women, but generally, it is more common in women more than men. The disease is most usually diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, however, it can occur at any age. Someone with a family history of the disease is more likely to suffer from it. Although MS is not
In this essay, the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will be reviewed. This piece of work will lay emphasis on the pathophysiological, psychosocial, economic and cognitive effects it has on the individual, family and society. It will also make mention of how a professional nurse would support the individual, the family/carer, the nursing process and the professional role of the nurse according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of conduct which sets a standard for all nurses and midwives (NMC, 2008) . It has been chosen because this chronic disorder is quite prevalent in the UK.
Advocating for diverse patients is important. In this paper I will be discuss a personal ethical dilemma in which I have encountered. I will give an objective interpretation of both my side as well as my patient’s side of the dilemma. Then I will describe the conflicting values and beliefs that I and the patient had. Then I will give the information I was lacking concerning the patient’s culture. Lastly, I will define culturally congruent care.
Cultural diversity is expanding and becoming widely spread daily. According to IMO (IMO : Unequal treatment ,2002) came up with data on ethnic minorities including all (ages) to be part in getting quality health same as the people living in affluence. This discrimination between cultural differences of in racial minorities must come to a stop as efforts are being made, though trying to get a clearer understanding of these cultural health patterns, an advancement in cultural competence , in sensitivity to the differences in culture related to final decision and making choices and health care preferences. In Thus hot important for nurses to do a thorough and detail comprehensive health assessment to a patient while identifying his/.her race with a heritage assessment tool. The writer of this article did include 29 questions in assessing his/her patient culture, ethnicity and religious background. This enables the extend to which patient can best identify a particular culture, tradition acting as a rule of thumb in knowing their health choices and behaviors. The more responses , the higher the individuals identification with a heritage in culture and tradition. This research will focus on the different methods to use with results based
Cultural blindness can lead to misconceptions and the inability to treat patients efficiently. Culture, religion, beliefs, values, social economic standings, education, mentality, morals, and treatment are all different from person to person, community, and groups. These barriers can be overcome by treating each patient as a unique individual and seeking to learn about cultural beliefs and differences, without reservations or pre-judgments but with an open and willing mind. These inhibiting barriers can be crossed through acceptance and commonality can be established. Through Patient-centered communication and attentiveness to the patients’ interpretation, discussion of lifestyle and treatment choices in an open and non-judgmental manner, and understanding of patient views, concerns and information needs can lead to cultural sensitivity and appreciation (Dean, R,
The term culture is defined as “the thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups” (Potter & Perry, 2013). With the increase of culturally diverse populations in the United States, it is important for nurses to practice cultural competence. Cultural competence is the ability to acquire specific behaviors, skills, attitudes, and policies in a system that permits “effective work in a cross-cultural setting” (OMH, 2013). Being culturally competent is essential because nurses who acknowledges and respects a patient’s health beliefs and practices are more likely to have positive health outcomes (OMH, 2012). Every culture has certain views and attitudes concerning health. The Jewish (also referred to as Jews), in particular, have intriguing health practices and beliefs that health care providers need to be aware of.
In the clinical setting, nurses are believed to spend the most time with patients. This involves regularly dealing with people coming from different ethnicities and with different cultural practices and beliefs (Brown & Edwards, 2012). Given this cultural diversity, every patient may have his/her own cultural beliefs and practices regarding his/her own health and its treatment which can be similar or different to those ... ... middle of paper ... ... nternational Journal for Quality in Health Care, 8(5), 491-497.
Ultimately the George family accentuated the importance of being educated in various religious and traditional scenarios. As the assessment questions were being answered by the Georges, I began to understand how values and culture played a vital role in their view of health. The systems theory helped analyze and assess them as individuals congruently running a system influenced by a rich heritage and tradition. Health promotion strategies and nursing diagnosis were evaluated considering their religious beliefs. Therefore, understanding diversity through various nursing practices will help enhance one’s level of evaluation.
An individual’s culture and belief may significantly impact the type of services they require. In addition, it may affect the time, place, and method in the delivery of health care