Health Care Cultural Considerations

diverseheadsIn our growing diverse society, health care workers need to understand that applying only traditional westernized medical practices isn't appropriate for many patients and families. Health professionals must have an awareness of different cultural practices and spiritual beliefs in order to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

According to the American Hospital Association, cultural competency in health care describes the ability of systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors, including the tailoring of health care delivery to meet patients' social, cultural and linguistic needs.

There can be language barriers so make sure you know your patient’s preferred method of communication and arrange an interpreter. Non-verbal communication may differ across cultures. Don’t make any assumptions without knowing the person's customs.

Many cultures have special dietary considerations. Hospital staff should be educated about food culture, which is a term used to describe the non‐nutritive, yet nonetheless significant, aspects of food, such as when food is eaten and how it is served.

For example, Jewish patients do not eat pork or shellfish. Muslim patients also do not consume pork. Muslims will eat only permitted food (halal) and will not eat or drink anything that is considered forbidden (haram). Halal food requires that Allah's name is invoked at the time the animal is killed. Lamb, beef, goat and chicken, for example, are halal as long as a Muslim kills them and offers a prayer. Fish and eggs are also halal. Buddhist are mostly vegetarian, though Buddhists may eat meat if it has not been killed for them specifically.

Health care workers should use effective communication to increase their understanding about the patient's spiritual beliefs and practices. Your workplace should offer spiritual counselors like a chaplain or a rabbi. It is a good idea to have a non-denominational prayer and meditation room which can serve as an inclusive sacred space for staff and patients of all religious backgrounds.

Management should take an active role in promoting culturally competent workplace training courses and resources.

Our calendar of cultural dates is a great tool to assist staff with respectful scheduling and diversity celebrations.

New Call-to-action

Recent Posts

The Profound Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness in Nursing
A Nurse’s life requires a level of selflessness and compassion that is incomparable to most, if not all, other careers. In this demanding and fast-paced world, where caregivers are faced with...
Read More
Standing Out as a Diverse Candidate in Nursing
In today's increasingly diverse healthcare landscape, Nurses from various backgrounds play a pivotal role in delivering culturally competent and inclusive care. As a diverse candidate entering the...
Read More
Combating Depression and Suicide in Nursing
Depression and suicide are significant concerns in the field of Nursing, and it is crucial that we address these issues head-on. The mental health of Nurses plays a vital role not only in their...
Read More

Subscribe to Email Our Newsletter

Education_Award_Square