Cultural Competence In Health Care

Introduction To fully understand cultural competence, one must first understand culture. Culture is the language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts of different people. According to (Science, 2017), it is seen as the collective constituents that adds up to a group's behavioral pattern. On the other hand to be competent is to be able to achieve a certain task and not merely achieving it but executing it in an exceptional manner. According to ("Definition of competence", 2017) competence is the quality or state of being functionally adequate. In this regard cultural competence in healthcare is the ability of a health provider to be aware of the patient’s cultural orientation and be able to care for them in according

(Science, 2017). According to ("Health and Health care for Chinese American", 2017) The Chinese culture and beliefs revolve around respect, strength, basically values that bring out the most out of an individual. This belief system makes the Chinese exhibit certain traits when it comes to treatment such as respect/protection of elders/filial piety. This trait may lead to reluctance in family members of illness to “protect” them, indecision to place them in long-term care, unwilling to deliberate Advance Directives (McLaughlin & Braun, 1998). Karma states that it’s believed that illness or death, is not discussed as this may lead it to occur. Formalistic conformity/deference to authority patients may not verbalize anxiety or doubts regarding their medical care in front of medical personnel, but then not follow through with treatments. It’s a big issue for the husbands and eldest son to admit pain traditionally for the “Saving Face,” as it may show a sign of weakness, even when it comes to dealing with mental health issues. They may not want to question or disagree with physician to their face, so they will not come back, "doctor shop", or not take medication as prescribed. According to (Colin and Paperwalla 2003) in Haiti many followers of Voodoo believe that spirits cause certain illness. Voodoo practitioner are sort to deal with supernatural caused illnesses. In fact, some believe that if conventional western medical treatment is sought for a supernaturally caused illness, it will worsen. Most Christians believe in miracles. As a result, miraculous healing may be awaited and cause delay in treatment as well as discontinuation from life support. Once the belief is started, it may affect the decision making. Some Haitians believe that certain illnesses are caused as a result of taboo violation or being