Chapter 5: Understanding the Patient as a Person

What is culture?

A set of learned values and behaviors that are shared by a group

What is subculture?

Culture that shares many practices with the primary culture but practice something else that makes them distinct

What is ethnocentrism?

The belief that an individual’s own culture is better than other cultures

What is cultural competence?

The awareness that one’s culture and beliefs may be different to someone else’s culture and beliefs

Understanding that cultures are different and require different levels of care is known as…

Transcultural care

How does cultural background affect older adults?

It impacts family dynamics

Why are older adults considered a unique cultural group?

They share common historical experiences

Why might some older adults be less tolerant of other cultures?

Due to early life influences or experiences

Why might older adults w/ Alzheimer’s make culturally insensitive remarks?

Their condition can cause them to speak without regard for cultural sensitivity

How might older adults’ cultural practices affect healthcare?

They may value home remedies and resist changes, even harmful ones

What’s the difference between race and ethnicity?

• Race = shared physical characteristics

• Ethnicity = Common social and cultural heritage

Race and Ethnicity share…

social practices (e.g. language, religion, music, food, etc)

What factors should PCTs consider for culturally sensitive communication?

Preferences for:

• Address (pronouns, preferred name, etc)

• Touch

• Silence

• Eye contact

• Body language

How should PCTs adapt communication for patients w/ low health literacy

• Don’t assume high literacy

• Use simple words & short sentences

• Avoid jargon

• Offer help if needed

Religious beliefs can affect many things related to…

Healthcare (i.e. thoughts on birth, death, birth control, etc)