Cultural Diversity in the Healthcare Field

Cultural variety in the wellness boot dramatic art The M each Faces of Health flush Cultural Diversity in the Healthc ar Field Carl Hooks Rasmussen College Author Note This research is beingness submitted on kinfolk 16, 2010, for Vicky Philips English class at Rasmussen College by Carl Hooks Cultural diversity in the medical field is, at times, greatly hindered because of religious precepts, language barriers, and the hierarchies of diverse cultures and these have the propensity to affect the continuity of care for the patients. Every person has different aspects that constitute their identities, according to how they see themselves.This means that seeing an individual in terms of their identity base be unproductive. (Weaver, 2009). Nursing personnel, in lay outicular, have to let in into consideration any and all cultural differences between the patient and the nursing staff. These differences vary in as many shipway as there are different ethnic groups in any event are a. Religious beliefs tush hinder the nursing care of patients. There are many different religious beliefs in as many different religions. The religious belief most common in the United States, of course, is the Jehovah construe who refuses transfusions.This religion has a strong belief in preserving the soul before the body. Other religions have different beliefs that we may not make, but penury to notice and try to work around to care for the patient. If nation believe it is God who confers both health and illness, it may be very difficult to get them to take their medication or change their behavior. they would see no point worrying about senior high blood pressure or bacteria when moral behavior is the key to good health. (Galanti, 2001). This kind of belief will impede the medical staff and their approach to a medical cure.Whenever possible, staff should attempt of moderate both religious beliefs and medicine to care for the patient. For the most part (miracles do happ en), religious beliefs can slow down the care and health of the patient, and leaves the health professionals with a huge dilemma about what to do, and greatly delays the healing process. To understand how religion plays a role in the care given to the patient is to give better care for our patients. Consequently, the vast majority of people do believe in some sort of religion, whether it is God or some other higher power. Cultural factors stemming from religious beliefs and practices can have an intense impact on health. (Abdoul and Abdoul, 2010). There may come a time when the medical staff has to provide a wipe (prayer matt) and a quiet place to pray to a culture that does not consider the common hospital chapel an appropriate place to pray.In some religious, It is commonly believed that illness is sent from God as retribution for sins since God is viewed as the afflicter as well as healer. (Abdoul and Abloul,2010). Food also plays a big part in some religions which go beyon d the traditional Jewish mothers chicken soup. . it is valuable to know that religious beliefs and practices can influence food choice, as there may be individuals inwardly a group that observe strict dietary requirements. (Black, 2010). All religious back grounds should be taken into consideration and, whenever possible, be provided for, and this will aid in promoting effective health care. Language barriers target great difficulties when communicating with patients. It is imperative that both patient and nursing staff understand exactly what is being said. For this reason an appropriate trained or certified interpreter should be utilized whenever possible.Health care workers are experiencing more language difficulties than ever before. Fully 54 million Americans. roughly 20 share of the macrocosm. do not speak English at home. (Armand and Hubbard,2010). With the exception of California, Texas, and Florida, which have over 43 percent of the population, that are classified LE P ( trammel English proficient). The interpreter should be trained to interpret on the patients behalf. Family members, at times, can be of great assistance, but then HIPPA comes into play.The patient may not want a particular family member to know about their health problems. The language barrier does inhibit sufficient care, and this should be communicate with the utmost of care and consideration for both the medical staff and patient. Insuring that the patient fully understands what is being do to them is of great importance. As patients, they have the right to understand what is being done and why. Informed consent must(prenominal) be given the patient should be able to repeat what they have been informed of before the result is done. Currently only 33 percent of U.S. hospitals have spirit improvement efforts underway to improve the quality of their language access programs. (Armand and Hubbard, 2010). The goal of the interpreter is to tick that the LEP patient has no dou bts or concerns and totally understands what is difference to happen, why, and any options they may have. Understanding the hierarchy of the family is imperative in understanding the functions of the family unit. With some familiarity with the different cultures in a given community, a medical professional will be able to ascertain who the manoeuvre of the household is.The head of the household differs from culture to culture, as such, misunderstandings which include but are not limited to the involvement of the male in all aspects of health care for his wife and children the assimilation of children into all aspects of livelihood female humility the subordinate status of women and the strong emphasis on traditional female role. (Abdoul and Abdoul, 2010). By defining who the head of the household is and giving them the respect they deserve will be paramount in a speedy recovery for the patient.As the head of the household is identified, it is very important that they are include d in all of the decisions made on behalf of the patient. If and when the controlling person is not readily available, all efforts should be exercised to suffer that person. In rare life threatening conditions should medical personnel proceed without that persons consent, the head of the household should be given adequate time to discuss procedures with the patient should they require this. His/her decision should be respected when they make up ones mind what is appropriate for their family member.Given the most pertinent information and options, the family can then make an informed decision and the respect of the hierarchy of the family has not been compromised. All diversities should be taken into consideration when caring for a patient. By understanding what importance the patient puts on their culture, the medical staff can better serve the patient. Hospitals can be a source of stress and frustration for patients and their families, since they are most vulnerable when they are there and are placed at the mercy of values and beliefs not of their own. (Galanti, 2001).Making a patient aware that medical staff understands and will do all that is possible to adhere to their cultural differences can only aid in providing the best health care possible. A care plan is always done for patients when they are admitted to the hospital. composition formulating a care plan, the nurse should always consider and provide for the cultural differences of the individual. The care plan should be reviewed by all staff that participates in the care of the patient. The care plan should be discussed with the patient and family to assure that all aspects of their cultural practices have been addressed.If this is not done, then the patients outcome can be greatly hampered. Cultural diversity in the medical field, at times, can be greatly hindered because of religious beliefs, language barriers, and the hierarchy of diverse cultures, and these have the propensity to affect the con tinuity of care for the patient. All aspects need to be considered to assure that the most efficient care be given on behalf of the patient.References ABOUL-ENEIN, B. , & AHOUL-ENEIN, F. (2010). THE heathenish GAP DELIVERING HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO ARAB AMERICAN POPULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. ledger of Cultural Diversity, 17(1), 20-23. Retrieved from Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition database Armada, A. , & Hubbard, M. (2010). Diversity in Healthcare Time to secure REAL. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 26(3), 3-17. Retrieved from EBSCO MegaFILE database. Black, P. (2010). Cultural and religious beliefs in stoma care nursing. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 4(4), 184-188. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database. Weaver, D. (2009). Respect the diversity and difference of individuals. Nursing & residential Care, 11(12), 590-593. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.