Medicine in a multi-cultural society

Question 1

whats the definition of cultural sensitivity?

Answer 1

the ability to be open to learning about and accepting of different cultural groups

Question 2

what is multiculturalism?

Answer 2

the recognition and acknowledgement that society is pluralistic.
in addition to the dominant cultural, there exists many other cultures based around ethnicity, sexual orientation, geography, religion, gender and class

Question 3

what is cultural competence?

Answer 3

the understanding of diverse attitudes, beliefs, behaviour and communication patterns attributable to a variety of factors
i.e. age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, beliefs, physical or mental ability, historical and social context

Question 4

in health care, what is the primary focus regarding cultural competence?

Answer 4

1. eliminate misunderstanding in diagnosis and treatment planing which may arise from different language/culture
2. improve patient adherence with treatments
3. eliminate health care disparities

Question 5

what 3 main things must physicians must develop in order to be cultural competent?

Answer 5

knowledge - understanding the meaning of culture and it importance in health care
attitude - having respect for variations in cultural norms
skills - eliciting patients explanatory models of illness

Question 6

what are 5 potential difficulties which may arise when consulting with a patient from a different culture?

Answer 6

patient may not be entitled to NS health care
lack of knowledge about the NHS/healthcare
lack of knowledge about common health issues/different health beliefs
fear and distrust
racism
stereotyping
language barriers
presence of third party translators

Question 7

what ways do GPs elicit the patients explanatory model of illness?
(in order for the GP to fully know what they are meaning)

Answer 7

asking questions to elicit the patients understanding of their illness
having strategies for identifying and bridging the different communication styles
having skills for assessing decision making preferences and the role of family

Question 8

what are the strengths of a culturally competent doctor?

Answer 8

• has an awareness and acceptance of difference whereby diversity is values
• understand how his or her own culture influences how he thinks, acts and delivers services
• understand the dynamics of difference and is conscious of those dynamics inherent when cultures interact
• becomes familiar with the different aspects of various cultures in target areas where service is provided
• has the ability to adapt practise skills that fit the cultural context of the patient/client