Environments and systems

Question 1

Various environments form a dynamic system that effects each individual. These environments include

Answer 1

1. Physical environment
2. Emotional environment
3. Cultural environment
4. Social environment
5. Spiritual environment

Question 2

List seven elements of the physical environment that effect communication with the individual seeking assistance.

Answer 2

1. Physical appearance
2. Body odour
3. Furniture placement
4. Physical comfort
5. Avoiding distractions
6. Temperature
7. Physical status of the person/s

Question 3

Name three ways the health professional can accommodate the emotional environment.

Answer 3

1. Consideration of formal versus non formal environments.
2. Physical distance from client and POV when interacting (Immediate environment)
3. Being aware of external extenuating circumstances the client may have.

Question 4

Cultural environments vary and the health professional must be open to differences between their own cultural environment and those individuals seeking assistance. Health professionals must respond with willingness to understand and accommodate such differences. Name three culturally specific elements that require understanding.

Answer 4

1. Personal space: Different cultures have different norms that govern personal space, that is, the distance individuals stand or sit from each other. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 145)
   The health professional must be aware of this and take note of any client NVC’s that indicate possible uncomfortability regarding the proximity of the interaction.
2. Colour: Different cultures assign sometime totally opposite meanings to the same colours (Devito 2009, 2014). Colour may encourage a relaxed attitude, while others might create excitement. Consideration of the effect of colour in the environment may assist relaxation and calm. (O’Tool 2016)(Page 145)
3. Time: Different cultural environments have a different awareness of, and place a different emphasis on, time. Some cultures measure time by the movement of the Earth around the sun, that is, a seasonal calendar. In these cultural environments the seasons regulate the lives and expectations of interactions between people at that time. If there is little seasonal change then the cultural environment is likely unlikely to demand different ways of relating as the year changes. Some cultures regulate their interaction by the movement of the moon around the earth (Phases of the moon)- the lunar calendar. In these cultural environments the movement of the moon determines the expectations and norms that govern interactions between people at particular times. Other cultures regulate their interactions by the movement of the earth on its axis – a 24 hour schedule based on the spinning of the earth. In these cultural environments the 24hr clock regulates the events and expectations of the people. In other cultures, time has a different significance and is unrelated to schedules throughout the day. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 146)

Question 5

What differences can occur in sexual environments?

Answer 5

Different cultures may have differing sexual and moral expectations. These differences may effect the willingness of a person/s to discuss sexuality (Gilmer et al 2010). They may also determine the significance of sexual experiences for particular individuals and the expectations of individuals relating to sexual intimacy (Honeycutt & Milliken 2012). A sexually abused person may avoid and kind of physical touch or may have fragile self-image that does not allow them to relate sexually or communicate about sexual matters. (O’Tool 2016) (Page 147)

Question 6

What might social environments include?

Answer 6

1. Family
2. Pets
3. Friends
4. Neighbours
5. Interest groups
6. Sporting teams
7. Institutional social environment

Question 7

Why is the spiritual environment of each individual important

Answer 7

Regardless of the relevance of spiritual issues to the particular health profession, it is important that health professionals demonstrate respect and sensitivity to the way in which the spiritual environment may assist in the management of heath issues and healing of the individual seeking assistance (Purtilo et al 2014)(Page 148). Spiritual care is essential to achieve Person – centred practice (Phelps et al 2012, Ronaldson et al 2012). (Page 148) Acknowledgement and accommodating the spiritual environment of the Person/s can create deeper understanding of the environment as well as encourage the individual in the use of images, medicine and rituals typical of that environment. The use of these elements of a particular spiritual environment may promote participation, healing and function (Eckermann et al 2010).