HC providers must provide care to many different types of patients

No two patients are alike HC providers must be aware of and

respect the individuality of each patient

Physical characteristics Family life Socioeconomic status Religious beliefs Geographical location Education Occupation Life experiences

Defined as values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, and customs unique to a particular group of people and passed from one generation to the next

Set of rules about things like family relations, child rearing, education, occupational choice, social interactions, spirituality, religious beliefs, food preferences, health beliefs, and HC

1. Culture is learned** 2. Culture is shared 3. Culture is social in nature 4. Culture is dynamic and constantly

changing

Defined as a classification of people based on national origin and/or culture

Members of an ethnic group may share common heritage, geographical location, social customs, language, and beliefs

1. African American 2. Asian American 3. European American 4. Hispanic American 5. Middle Eastern/Arab Americans 6. Native Americans (Indians and

Eskimos)***

Classification of people based on the physical characteristics (color or hair, skin, and eyes)› There are different races present in most

ethnic groups. Ex. There are black and white African

Americans.

This is the differences in culture, ethnicity, and racial factors among people

In previous times the United States used to be called the “melting pot” to represent the absorption of many cultures in the dominant culture.› This is called cultural assimilation when

people come from other countries and adapt to the American way of doing things

In reality the U.S. is more like a salad bowl now where cultural differences are appreciated and respected

Acculturation = the process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming some of the characteristics› This process occurs slowly over time› Recent immigrants to the U.S. are more likely

to follow patterns of their native land than their children and grandchildren who have lived here longer

The ability to recognize and appreciate the personal characteristics of others is essential in health care› Ex. In some cultures, called an adult by

their first name is not acceptable except for close friends/relatives. Sensitive HC workers will address patients by Mr./Mrs. and their last name

A bias is a preference that prevents impartial judgment› Example: Individuals that believe in the

supremacy of their own ethnic group (ethnocentric). These people believe that their cultural values are better than the cultural values of others

Age› Younger people are more physically and mentally superior to

older people Education

› College educated people are superior to uneducated people Economic

› Rich people are superior to poor people Physical

› Obese and short people are inferior to slender and taller people

Occupation› Nurses are inferior to doctors

Sexual preference› Homosexuals are inferior to heterosexuals

Gender› Women are inferior to men

Prejudice means to pre-judge. It is a strong feeling/belief about a

person/subject that is formed without reviewing facts/information

This causes fear and distrust and interferes with interpersonal relationships

Everyone is prejudiced to a certain degree!

Stereotyping occurs when an assumption is made that everyone in a particular group is the same

Labels individuals Example = “All blondes are dumb.”

These are all barriers to effective communication and relationships with patients

HC providers must be alert to these barriers and make every effort to avoid them

Know and be consciously aware of your own personal and professional values and beliefs

Obtain as much information as possible about different ethnic/cultural groups

Be sensitive to behaviors and practices different from your own

Remember you are not be pressured to adopt your patients’ beliefs, but you must respect them

Develop friendships with a wide variety of people

Ask questions about your patients’ beliefs/culture

Evaluate all information before you form an opinion

Be open to differences Avoid jokes that may offend Remember mistakes happen, apologize if

you hurt someone’s feelings, and forgive if someone hurts your feelings

HC providers must be aware of cultural diversity to provide holistic care (well-being of the whole person) to their patients

This is the structure of a family and the dominant or decision-making person in the family

Families vary in their composition and in the roles assumed by family members

1. Nuclear family› Usually consists of a mother, father, and

children (single-parent and children)› Common type for European American

families 2. Extended family

› Usually includes nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

› Common type for Asian, Hispanic, and Native American families

In these families the father or oldest male is the authority figure and makes the decisions for the family

So, this is the person who would make the health care decisions as well

Women are expected to be obedient

In these families the mother or oldest female is the authority figure and makes the decisions for the family

Dominant language used in United States is English

However, 20% of population under 65 years of age speaks another language

A health care provider must determine the patient’s ability to communicate by talking with pateint/relative and asking questions

Do you speak English as your first language?

What language is spoken at home? Do you read English? Do you have a family member/friend

that can interpret for you?

Find a translator when possible Speak slowly and use simple words Use gestures/pictures to clarify meaning

of words Use nonverbal communication (smile or

gentle touch) when appropriate Avoid tendency to speak louder Try to learn some words/phrases in their

language

Personal space = territorial space This describes the distance people require

to feel comfortable while interacting with others

This varies among different ethnic groups Close contact groups: comfortable

standing very close to and even touching Distant contact groups

HC providers have to invade a patient’s personal space at times to do certain skills (ex. Taking vital signs, baths, etc.)

HC providers should always be alert to patients verbals and non-verbals

HC providers should use a slow, relaxed approach and explain the procedure

European Americans regard eye contact during conversation as a sign of interest and trustworthiness

Asian Americans consider direct eye contact to be rude

The many beliefs regarding eye contact can lead to misunderstandings when people of different cultures interact

Shaking head “yes” or “no” In India, it is the complete opposite Pointing at someone with a finger

represents a strong threat by Asian and Native Americans

The “Western” system is the most common HC system in the U.S.

This system is based on the cause of disease being microorganisms, diseased cells, and the process of aging

When the cause is determined, HC is directed toward eliminating microorganisms, conquering disease process, and/or preventing the aging process

HC providers in the U.S. are trained and licensed to practice

Encouraging patients to learn as much as possible about their illness

Informing patients about terminal illnesses

Teaching self-care Using medications and technology to

cure or decrease effects of disease/illness

Teaching preventative care

Look in book on page 142-143 Make your own table with six rows

down and five columns down I will help you condense chart in book

Nutritional methods› Organic foods, herbs, vitamins

Mind and body control› Relaxation, meditation, biofeedback› Hypnotherapy, imagery

Energetic touch therapy› Massage, acupuncture

Body-movement methods› Chiropractic, yoga, tai chi

Spiritual methods› Faith healing, prayer, and spiritual

counseling

All individuals have the right to choose the type of HC system and method of treatment that they feel is best for them

HC providers must respect this, even if they do not agree

The beliefs individuals have about themselves, their connections with others, and their relationship with a higher power

Individual’s need to find meaning and purpose in life

Organized system of belief in a superhuman power

Form of worship Ex. Going to church

Pg 145-148

Someone who does not believe in a higher power

A person who believes that the existence of a higher power can not be proven or disproven