Unit 6 Lesson 3: Different Patients, Different Styles

Question 1

Language and Speaking Style in healthcare

Answer 1

People from some cultures don’t like to talk about problems or private details about the body, so it may take some care to find a way to communicate so the patient feels comfortable. Translators can help when patients speak a different language.

Question 2

Space and Touching in healthcare

Answer 2

A handshake and friendly eye contact may seem respectful to some, but for others, it may be threatening or invasive. In some cultures, men and women who are not married are not allowed to touch, so always ask permission before touching a patient. Different cultures feel comfortable standing closer or farther away from each other when conversing; be sensitive to these differences.

Question 3

Dietary Habits in healthcare

Answer 3

Some cultures have fasting days that may affect medications or procedures. Also, in the hospital, it is important to provide nourishment that is acceptable to the dietary needs of people from different religions. Food can be very important to a culture, so it may be hard for certain patients to follow a medically recommended diet.

Question 4

Time and Social Norms in healthcare

Answer 4

Being on time is important in healthcare systems in the United States, while some cultures have a much looser relationship to time. In some culture’s social organization, it is normal for a man to be the head of the family and make decisions for others.

Question 5

Beliefs and Healthcare in healthcare

Answer 5

Different religious or cultural beliefs can make certain procedures or medication less acceptable to certain people. Method of delivering medications, reactions to blood draws or other tests, and dealing with illness and death may be greatly affected by cultural factors.