Summary: Cultural Differences In Health Care

It’s important for physicians to recognize the differences in their patients but sometimes identifying those differences can lead to stereotyping, profiling or prejudices based on cultural backgrounds. It’s necessary to understand that each person is an individual and may or may not adhere to certain cultural beliefs or practices common in his or her culture. ("Consider Culture, Customs, and Beliefs: Tool #10", 2015) According to Intro to Intercultural Communications book, stereotyping is negative or positive judgments made about individuals based on any observable or believed group membership. While prejudice refers to the irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The terms are related in

This may lead to inadequate care because they try to do the “cheapest options” that are not necessarily the best protocols. Prejudice in terms of health care, the Institute of Medicine defines it as “differences in the quality of healthcare that are not due to access-related factors or clinical needs, preferences, and appropriateness of intervention.” (Guilfoyle et al 2008) Prejudice in health care should not affect care since the primary goal of the physician is to save the patient's life no matter their background, race, culture, or religion yet there are still issues of stereotyping and prejudice from physicians in the US. One way to fix this state of mind is to treat every patient with respect and accurate care as if they were treating themselves. It’s always okay for physicians to respectfully ask questions to the patient about what is comfortable for them and to never assume anything about the patient. For the patient to receive the best care, the physician needs to acknowledge the possible stereotypes and then treat that patient with the respect and correct care they

According to the book Intro to Intercultural Communication, intercultural communication competence is the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people of other cultures. The book describes intercultural communication competence in four categories, with the first category being personality strength. As a physician, it is important to be have social relaxation when dealing with patients. “Health care providers who perceive themselves as high in effective intercultural communication report experiencing less anxiety in intercultural situations. As anxiety is a common measure for stress, this finding is good news for health care providers who are already in stressful jobs involving care for increasing numbers of patients from other cultures.” (Lin Ulrey & Amason, 2001) By enhancing their cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication effectiveness, health care providers may reduce the anxiety they encounter when dealing with patients from other cultures. Reduced anxiety will lead to better quality care. Competent intercultural communicators must know themselves well and, through their self-awareness, initiate positive attitudes. Individuals must express a friendly personality to be competent in intercultural communication. Another important category for physicians is cultural awareness. As mentioned in the first paragraph, understanding that