Clinical Guidelines In Nursing Were Developed To Guide Care
Clinical Guidelines In Nursing Were Developed To Guide Our Practice An
Clinical guidelines in nursing were developed to guide our practice and optimize patient care (Dains et al., 2019). Those guidelines are inclusive of the need to be culturally competent (CDC, 2020). Cultural competence is the ability of a professional to work effectively across various cultural situations using “a set of common set of values, attitudes and policies within a system or agency” (CDC, 2020). When working with Filipino patients such as Mono Nu, cultural competence with a high level of cultural skill, is essential (Ball et al., 2019). The RESPECT model is often used by providers to maintain cultural competence (Ball et al., 2019).
The Institute of Medicine report shows that there is inconsistency in care received by minorities compared to other populations. Specifically, cultural competence is defined using the descriptions from the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and the definition from Cross (Young & Guo, 2016). Explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with Mono Nu. Individuals such as Mono Nu being from the Philippines have a culture that is made up of traditional Filipino, Spanish Catholic as well as Chinese, Indonesian and Malay traditions (Lopez & Tram, 2023). The Philippines is considered a third world country where the residents are said to have a socioeconomically poorer background, but are family oriented and appreciate art, fashion, music, and food.
Filipinos speak Tagalog but have multiple dialects (Lopez & Tram, 2023; Bhimla et al., 2017). These authors continued that they are one of the most diverse immigrant populations in the United States. They tend to be bicultural since they have integrated their native culture, traditions, and beliefs with American culture. The acculturation levels of Filipino immigrants however differ based on where they settle in the United States. When it comes to healthcare seeking behavior in Filipinos, studies show that many visit a provider (Bhimla et al., 2023).
Despite this being a general synopsis of Filipinos, nursing professionals must remember to treat everyone as being unique and not assume that all Filipinos have the same practices (Lopez & Tram, 2023; Ball et al., 2019). “Multiple studies have shown that healthcare providers activate these implicit stereotypes, or unconscious biases, when communicating with and providing care to minority patients” (Ball et al., 2019). Filipinos are an ethnic minority that need to be asked about “stressors, support networks, sense of life control and literacy” (Ball et al., 2019).
Cultural humility is key when assessing patients (Ball et al., 2019). Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why. Based on Ball et al., 2019, cultural competence guidelines, I would conduct my assessment in a manner that is patient-centered, be aware of my own biases, and appreciate diversity.
When providing care to Mono Nu, I would establish if he wishes to speak in English, Tagalog, or a specific Filipino dialect. I would be sensitive to his culture and religious practices and ask about current practices. I would get an understanding of how his culture and religious practices affect his diet and medication compliance. I would avoid technical language, frequent interruptions, and jargon. I would respect his beliefs and the meaning of illness as indicated by Ball et al., 2019. I would relate to him in simple, uncomplicated terms that he can understand and not be judgmental. I would establish his health insurance status and ability to pay for care. As an immigrant, Mono Nu may come from a socioeconomically poorer background, and his ability to pay could affect his treatment and medication adherence (Ball et al., 2019).
I would educate him that different individuals respond differently to various medications and that medication effectiveness is not an indication that the medication is ineffective. I would identify if he consumes other substances like drugs or alcohol that might impair medication efficacy. I would also inquire about other medications he is taking. Dietary education would be prioritized, especially regarding foods that could interfere with medication. For example, soy products high in vitamin K may counteract blood thinners (McCance & Huether, 2019; Takahashi et al., 2019). Considering his high intake of fish and tofu, I would explain that while such foods have cardiovascular benefits, they contain vitamin K that can affect blood thinner effectiveness. Studies suggest this diet has existed for centuries among Asian populations, but evidence does not definitively show it prevents clotting.
High blood pressure appears more prevalent among Filipino women than men, but Mono Nu, being in his 40s and male, may not perceive himself at high risk for cardiac issues. It is also important to understand his lifestyle factors, including employment and exercise routines, which influence medication metabolism. A two-week observation may not suffice to fully assess these influences. Filipino Americans tend to experience higher rates of hypertension and high cholesterol (Bhimla et al., 2017). Since cultural responses to health conditions and acceptance of healthcare can vary by generation and environment, cultural sensitivity is imperative (Ball et al., 2019).
For example, Chinese views of health often involve yin and yang—hot and cold concepts—rather than temperature, which influence perceptions of illness and health (Ball et al., 2019). To build a comprehensive health history, I would ask targeted questions including:
- What has led you to take these medications?
- Can you tell me about your background and whether it affects how you take your medications?
- Do you experience any side effects from the medications?
- Do cardiac issues run in your family?
- What is your typical diet and exercise routine?
- Do you know which foods to avoid while taking these medications?
This line of questioning helps establish a health history, assesses risks, and creates a platform for health education and trust-building with the patient.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Cultural competence plays a pivotal role in nursing to ensure equitable, respectful, and effective healthcare delivery, especially to diverse populations like Filipino immigrants. Developing culturally sensitive guidelines and employing models like RESPECT help nurses provide optimal care. Understanding the cultural, socioeconomic, and spiritual contexts of patients like Mono Nu is essential to facilitate accurate assessment, adherence to treatment, and positive health outcomes.
Significance of Cultural Competence in Nursing Practice
The Institute of Medicine emphasizes disparities in care for minority populations, highlighting the importance of cultural competence. Cultural competence encompasses awareness, knowledge, and skills that enable healthcare providers to deliver respectful and responsive care (Young & Guo, 2016). This includes awareness of one's biases and understanding patients' cultural backgrounds to improve communication, trust, and health results (Betancourt et al., 2016).
Cultural Background of Filipino Patients
Filipino culture is characterized by a mix of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, which shape their health behaviors and beliefs (Lopez & Tram, 2023). As a third-world country, the Philippines faces socioeconomic challenges, but Filipino culture is deeply family-oriented, art-loving, and food-centric. Language diversity with dialects like Tagalog reflects their rich cultural tapestry (Bhimla et al., 2017). Filipinos tend to be bicultural, integrating native traditions with American influences, with varying acculturation levels depending on their U.S. settlement contexts. They generally seek healthcare, but their health beliefs and practices can differ significantly based on generational and regional factors.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Effective care requires individual assessment, avoiding assumptions based on ethnicity. Implicit biases can impact communication and care quality, necessitating cultural humility. Asking open-ended questions about stressors, support networks, health beliefs, and practices promotes patient-centered care (Ball et al., 2019). Sensitivity to language preferences and religious practices is crucial, especially in understanding how these influence health behaviors, diet, and medication adherence.
Assessing Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors
When caring for Mono Nu, I would first determine his preferred language to facilitate effective communication. Respecting his cultural and religious practices helps tailor health interventions, especially regarding diet and medication. Filipino dietary habits, such as high fish and tofu consumption, contain vitamin K, which can counteract anticoagulants like warfarin. Educating him about foods to avoid and the importance of adherence, considering his socioeconomic background, is vital for optimal medication response (McCance & Huether, 2019; Takahashi et al., 2019).
Understanding his lifestyle habits, including physical activity and employment status, supports assessment of medication metabolism and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Filipino women show higher prevalence of hypertension, but awareness in men like Mono Nu is essential. A comprehensive assessment extends to family history, side effects, and potential substance use that could influence treatment.
Building Trust through Targeted Questions
To construct a detailed health history and assess risks, I would ask:
- What has led you to take these medications?
- Can you tell me about your background and whether it affects how you take your medications?
- Do you experience any side effects from the medications?
- Do cardiac issues run in your family?
- What is your typical diet and exercise routine?
- Do you know which foods to avoid while taking these medications?
This approach fosters open dialogue, enhances understanding, and promotes compliance while respecting cultural values and practices.
Conclusion
Providing culturally competent care to Filipino patients like Mono Nu demands awareness of their unique cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic contexts. Employing models such as RESPECT, practicing cultural humility, and engaging in patient-centered communication ensures respectful, effective, and equitable healthcare. Tailoring assessments and education to their specific beliefs and circumstances is key to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities among minority populations in diverse healthcare settings.
References
- Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2016). Defining cultural competence: A practical framework for addressing racial disparities in health and health care. Public Health Reports, 118(4), 293–300.
- Bhimla, A., Yap, L., Lee, M., Seals, B., Aczon, H., & Ma, G. (2017). Addressing the Health Needs of High-Risk Filipino Americans in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Journal of Community Health, 42(2), 269–277.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 21). Cultural competence in health and human services. https://www.cdc.gov
- Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.
- Lopez, J. M., & Tram, J. M. (2023). Falling behind and forgotten: The impact of acculturation and spirituality on the mental health help-seeking behavior of Filipinos in the USA. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 14(2), 218–230.
- McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The biological basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). Mosby/Elsevier.
- Takahashi, Y., Konishi, T., & Yamaki, K. (2019). Tofu and fish oil independently modulate serum lipid profiles in rats: Analyses of 10 class lipoprotein profiles and the global hepatic transcriptome. PLOS ONE, 14(1), e0226731.
- Young, S., & Guo, K. L. (2016). Cultural diversity training. The Health Care Manager, 35(2), 94–102.