"When health care personnel
work with the patient's beliefs, rather than against them, the outcomes are
usually more successful, measured not only in patient satisfaction but also in ease for
the medical team in managing the patient and family" (Galanti 1997:55).
People in some cultures rely on home remedies to treat their illnesses rather than on
pharmaceutical drugs. When prescribing drugs to patients of another culture, it is
prudent to be aware that patients may resist taking the medication. Such reluctance
may be influenced by religious beliefs and practices. In addition, in some cultures, it is
believed that illness (and recovery) is God's will. Endurance of a certain amount of
suffering with dignity and courage is considered appropriate in some traditions (Cultural
Ethnic & Religious Reference Manual).
Domains of Cultural Competence
[Adapted from "Cultural Competence: A Journey"]
Values and attitudes: Be aware that beliefs may influence the way a patient responds
to health, illness and death
Communications styles Sensitivity is key to understanding and being understood.
Community/consumer participation: When community leaders are involved, health
outcomes often improve.
Physical environment: Interiors should reflect the cultural identities, including
language, of the community members it serves.
Policies and procedures: Should be conveyed in a way that reflects an understanding
of patients’ linguistic variations and differences in approaches to health and
disease.
Population-based clinical practice: Culturally skilled clinicians who understand the
importance of their own and others’ world views and sociopolitical influences.
Training and professional development: Cultural competence training included in the
development of health care professionals at all levels.
Public health studies consistently reveal improved health outcomes as providers bridge
the cultural gaps between themselves and their patients.
Communication and understanding lead to improved diagnoses and treatment plans, and
the improved patient satisfaction leads to greater compliance with those plans.
Cultural Competence:
allows the provider to obtain more specific and complete information to make an
appropriate diagnosis.
facilitates the development of treatment plans that are followed by the patient and
supported by the family.
reduces delays in seeking care and allows for improved use of health services.
enhances overall communication and the clinical interaction between patient and
provider.
enhances the compatibility between Western and traditional cultural health
practices.
"Cultural competence and building health communities through community development
programs go hand-in hand" [Cultural Competence: A Journey."] See their
web site at www.bphc.hrsa.gov
Certain health beliefs and
practices as they relate to different cultures are discussed in further detail in the
Queensland Health site at www.health.qld.gov.au/hssb/cultdiv/home.htm.
