Cultural Diversity - Considerations for Health Care (Video Notes)

This set contains Q&A-style flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on cultural diversity, culture, and culturally competent health care.

What is the goal of health care?

To provide optimal and safe care for all patients.

What is culture?

The values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a group and passed from one generation to the next.

What is cultural competence?

The ability of healthcare providers to offer services that meet the unique social, cultural, and linguistic needs of their patients.

Name major areas of potential conflict in culturally diverse care.

Wellness and health prevention; touch and physical space; communication/body language; general procedures; dietary needs.

What are additional areas of potential conflict in cultural care?

Spirituality, death, medications, pregnancy, and pain management.

What is a characteristic of culture being learned?

Culture is learned; people imitate adults and develop attitudes accepted by others.

What does it mean that culture is shared?

Common practices and beliefs are shared with others in a cultural group.

What does it mean that culture is social in nature?

Individuals understand appropriate behavior based on traditions passed from generation to generation.

What does it mean that culture is dynamic?

Culture is constantly changing; new ideas can alter standards of behavior.

How is culture reflected in daily life?

Through eating habits, language, dress, and hobbies (and also living patterns, occupation choices, education, religious affiliations, and political beliefs).

What is cultural diversity?

Differences based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors.

How do culture, ethnicity, and race influence individuals?

They influence behavior, self-perception, judgment of others, and interpersonal relationships.

What is a nuclear family?

A family consisting of a mother, father, and children; or a single parent and child.

What is an extended family?

Nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

How do European American families typically structure their family unit?

Nuclear family is usually the basic unit, but the extended family is also important.

How do Asian, Hispanic, and Native American families typically structure families?

The extended family is often important, with several generations living in the same household.

What is patriarchal family authority?

Father or oldest male is the authority.

What is matriarchal family authority?

Mother or oldest female is the authority.

In some Asian and Middle Eastern families, who often has power and who accompanies wives to medical appointments?

Men have the power and authority; husbands often accompany wives and may make medical decisions.

How should health care providers respond when a patient says they must check with a family member before surgery?

Respect the patient’s need to consult with a husband/wife/son before deciding.

What may extended families insist on regarding basic personal care, and how should providers respond?

They may insist on providing basic personal care; providers should adapt and allow family to help as much as possible.

What language is dominant in the United States and what is a commonly spoken other language?

English is dominant; Spanish is also commonly spoken.

What strategies should you use with patients who have limited English proficiency?

Speak slowly, use simple words, and use gestures or pictures to clarify.

Should you speak louder to patients with limited English?

No; avoid speaking louder and instead check for understanding through feedback.

How can nonverbal communication help in cross-cultural care?

Use nonverbal cues like a smile or gentle touch (if appropriate) and learn some words or phrases to aid communication.

What is the recommended personal-space range in the United States?

About 18–36 inches.

Do all cultures allow touch between genders in public?

No; some cultures do not permit males and females to touch in public, even if related.

Should you assume someone’s personal space and touch preferences?

No; never assume—ask and respect individual preferences.

How do cultural views on eye contact vary?

Some cultures view eye contact as interest and trust; others view direct eye contact as hostile or threatening.

What does culturally appropriate care involve?

Respect clients’ beliefs, recognize culture extends beyond skin color, avoid universal gestures, and accommodate differences if they don’t harm health.

How can clinicians identify unique ethnic beliefs about disease?

Listen for cues from the client that reveal ethnic beliefs about illness and disease.

How can health services be more culturally accessible?

Provide forms in multiple languages, offer ongoing cultural competence training, and engage with the community.

What is alternative health care?

Care that respects that every culture has its own health system based on values and beliefs; patients may use herbal remedies, religious rites, and other forms alongside biomedical care.

Name some modalities of alternative health care.

Nutritional methods; mind and body control (relaxation, biofeedback, hypnotherapy); energetic touch therapy (massage, acupuncture); body-movement methods (yoga, chiropractic); spiritual methods (faith healing, prayer).

What is spirituality?

Beliefs about oneself, connection with others, and relationship with a higher power; highly individualized.

What is religion?

An organized system of belief in a higher power; beliefs about birth, life, illness, and death often have religious origins.

What is an atheist?

A person who does not believe in any deity.

What is an agnostic?

A person who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved.

Why bother with cultural differences in health care?

To provide optimal care for all patients; care is most effective when clients and families participate and cultural preferences are respected.

What is the goal of culturally appropriate care in practice?

Respect beliefs, go beyond skin color, avoid culturally insensitive gestures, and accommodate differences if not detrimental to health.

How can you implement culturally appropriate care in practice?

Listen for cues, provide forms in multiple languages, pursue ongoing cultural competence training, and engage with community.