NUR 100 CH10 Cultural Assessment

Cultural Competence

The ongoing process of developing the ability to provide safe, effective, quality care that meets each patient’s cultural, social, and language needs

Include the patient’s beliefs and preferences in

their care plan

Ask about dietary restrictions rather than

choosing a diet based only on the patient’s religion

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

Providing services that respect and respond to the patients cultural and communication needs

CLAS Examples

1. Offer language assistance at no cost to the patient and explain that it is available

2. Use qualified interpreters

3. Provide understandable teaching materials in appropriate languages

4. Accommodate hearing, vision and other communication needs

Culture

Consists of learned and socially transmitted beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and ways of living that influence worldview and decision making.

Characteristics of Culture

1. Learned through family, school, community, and other groups

2. Shapes identity, behavior, and beliefs about health and illness

3. Includes characteristics that remain stable and others that change over time

4. Influenced by nationality, race, gender, age, religion, and a whole bunch of other stuff

Spirituality

A persons sense of meaning, purpose, hope, and connectedness

Religion

Organized beliefs and practices associated with a faith tradition or community

Subjective Cultural Data

Comes from what the patient or family tells you about beliefs, preferences, experiences, and practices.

When gathering Subjective cultural data you’d ask what type of questions?

Open-ended questions

Family health and exposure Question

What health conditions run in your family? Are environmental exposures affecting your health?

Communication Questions

1. What language do you prefer for speaking and reading?

2. Would you like an interpreter?

3. How would you like to be addressed?

Cultural Affiliation Questions

What cultural groups or traditions are important to you?

Restrictions and modesty Questions

Are there preferences about touch, body exposure, or the gender of your caregiver?

Development and life events Questions

Are there traditions related to pregnancy, birth, aging, or death that you want included in your care?

Economics Question

Do costs or insurance concerns make it difficult to obtain care?

Education and Learning

How do you prefer to learn: demonstration, discussion, written information, or videos?

Health Beliefs and Practices

1. What do you believe caused this illness?

2. What treatments or remedies have you tried?

Family and Social Support Questions

1. Who supports you?

2. Who would you like involved in healthcare decisions?

Nutrition Questions

1. What foods do you usually eat?

2. Are there foods you avoid or times when you fast?

Religion and spirituality Questions

Are there beliefs or rituals you would like us to support?

Values Questions

What beliefs or preferences should we consider when planning your care?

Assessment of Cultural Practices

Focus on what the patient actually does to maintain health and manage illness

Prevention and Support

What activities help you stay healthy?

Who helps manage your health?

Medicines and Remedies

What over the counter medicines, herbal teas, or folk remedies do you use? For what conditions?

Pain and illness behavior

How do you express and manage pain? Do you rest or continue normal activities when sick?

Treatment Preferences

Do you have objections to blood transfusions? Are organ donation and transplantation acceptable to you?

Ask about traditional remedies because combining them with prescribed treatments may cause

Adverse reactions

Assessment of Spiritual Practices

Assess what gives the patient strengthm, hope, meaning, and support

Spiritual Practice Assessment Questions

1. Who or what gives you strength and hope? Is prayer part of your life?

2. How do you express your spirituality? What beliefs guide your life?

3. How does your faith help you cope with illness?

4. What spiritual or religious support would you like? Is there a spiritual leader you want involved?

5. What does suffering or dying mean to you? What are your spiritual goals?

6. What helps you get through this healthcare experience? How has illness affected you and your family?

Ask rather than

Assume