Laos Case Study

Culture plays an important clinical role in patient-provider relationship. Currently, the population in US is increasingly becoming diverse and learning the impact of culture to health care as well as understanding is very important. A culturally competent health care provider will improve knowledge, attitudes, and skills as well as patient satisfaction to the care being rendered.

Laos as the country of Choice

If I were to choose my own Medical Mission, I will go to Laos. Laos is located in Southeast Asia, mostly made of forest and rugged mountains. It is divided into 7 provinces with large amount of population in each province consisted of tribes. Having agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, farming is largely practiced, wherein

Nurses are getting paid $40/ month which is the average hourly pay of the nurses in USA (Williams, 2009). Having that said, Education and health care are very expensive and most of the tribal members are unable to avail the care needed. Health Care is almost impossible for a Lao to have, One night in hospital costs $30 which is almost the same monthly salary of the nurses (Williams, 2009). Besides from other tribes not allowing their community to go to the hospitals for treatment, there are also deficiencies in hospital system like, there is no pathology or microbiology labs, limited blood test (only have CBC and Chemistry), they only offer plain X-ray which costs $5.00 per film and patient needs to provide their own bed and food while in the hospital (Williams,

They have 2 main religions, which is Buddhism and Animism (belief in spirits) (Pholsena, 2008). Lao are conservative traditionally and are very sensitive in physical contact. It is also considered condescending to touch a Lao 's person 's head, pointing with hands and fingers are also considered as an insult. Shoe 's are to be removed whenever a visitor will enter a Lao 's home or the temples, and would be a serious offence if not followed. (Boase, 1997). There are more social differentiation in Laos, being most of them is illiterate due to expensive Education. Knowing the socialization, Etiquette and beliefs is vital in respecting their culture and so as to others (Pholsena, 2008).

According to Williams (2009), possible Ethical Problem may arise, like, the Villagers might not be able to go to the location because they are too far and some of them lives in the mountain. Most of them will have to walk from the mountains or even from the other provinces. Also, other tribes may not allow their villager to go to the Mission due to their