Critical Thinking Assignment 2: Cultural Competency In Healt ✓ Solved

Critical Thinking Assignment 2 Cultural Competency In Healt

Writing/Critical Thinking Assignment: Cultural Competency in Health Care

Chapter 13: Cultural competency is an essential part of closing the gap in the disparity of health care services provided to different groups. In this activity, you will summarize a short video and provide insight into the role of cultural competency in health care.

Step 1: Watch Becoming a Culturally Competent Nurse.

Step 2: Summarize the entire video in no less than 350 words (paragraph form), then discuss why you think cultural competence is important in health care. Use Chapter 13 as a resource.

Paper For Above Instructions

Cultural competency in healthcare is increasingly recognized as a vital component in ensuring equitable health outcomes across diverse populations. The video "Becoming a Culturally Competent Nurse" emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the varied cultural backgrounds of patients, as well as the perspectives and communication styles they bring into healthcare settings. The video illustrates how cultural beliefs influence patients' health practices, perceptions of illness, and interactions with healthcare providers. In summarizing the key points presented in the video, it highlights essential skills and knowledge nurses must cultivate to achieve cultural competency.

The video begins by establishing that cultural competency involves more than merely acknowledging diversity; it requires active engagement and a commitment to understanding patients’ unique cultural contexts. Key concepts covered include awareness of one’s own cultural biases, an understanding of the various cultural norms that exist in society, and the ability to adapt approaches to care accordingly. The video introduces the term "cultural humility," which refers to the ongoing process of self-reflection and personal critique that enables healthcare professionals to realize their limitations in knowledge about other cultures and to adjust their practices accordingly.

An important aspect discussed in the video is the role of effective communication. Given that miscommunications can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, and even adverse health outcomes, nurses are encouraged to engage in active listening, ask clarifying questions, and seek feedback to ensure patients feel understood and respected. The introduction of interpreters for patients who speak different languages is also emphasized as a critical component of providing culturally competent care.

The video presents various strategies that healthcare providers can employ to become more culturally competent. These include ongoing education and training in cultural awareness, personal experiences with diverse populations, and the establishment of a culturally inclusive healthcare environment. The importance of teamwork and collaboration with colleagues from various backgrounds is also underscored, as diverse teams often yield a greater variety of perspectives when addressing patient needs.

As we explore the importance of cultural competence in health care, it becomes evident that cultural disparities significantly affect healthcare access and outcomes. Chapter 13 addresses the differences in health-related behavior among diverse groups and emphasizes that providers must be equipped to challenge their own biases and assumptions. Patients who feel culturally understood and respected are more likely to communicate their needs, comply with treatment plans, and develop a trusting relationship with their healthcare providers.

Furthermore, cultural competence is essential in addressing health disparities including differences in mortality rates, prevalence of chronic diseases, and healthcare utilization. Research shows that when healthcare professionals incorporate cultural understanding into their practices, it can lead to improved patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and ultimately, better health outcomes. In light of the growing diversity in patient populations, fostering cultural competency should not be viewed as an additional task, but as an integral part of patient-centered care in today’s health systems.

In conclusion, cultural competency is crucial in healthcare for bridging the divide in health disparities and achieving equitable health outcomes. The video "Becoming a Culturally Competent Nurse" serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for healthcare providers to engage with and understand the diverse cultures of their patients. As nursing professionals strive to enhance their cultural competency, they can play a significant role in transforming patient care, improving health outcomes, and fostering equitable access to services. By committing to this goal, healthcare providers not only honor the individuality of their patients but also contribute to a more just and effective healthcare system.

References

• Campinha-Bacote, J. (2002). The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services: A Model of Care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 181-184.
• Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2003). Defining Cultural Competence: A Practical Framework for Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health and Health Care. Health Affairs, 22(5), 93-101.
• Office of Minority Health. (2001). National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). Cultural Competency in Nursing Education. White Paper.
• Leininger, M. M. (2002). Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory. In M. M. Leininger & M. A. McFarland (Eds.) Transcultural Nursing: Concepts, Theories, Research & Practice. (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Schim, S. M., Doorenbos, A. Z., & Borse, N. N. (2007). The Importance of Cultural Competence: A Model of the Cultural Competence Process. Wiley Online Library.
• Flores, G. (2000). Getting a Diagnosis: The Role of Language and Culture in Health Care. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(22), 2920-2921.
• Juckett, G. (2005). Cross-Cultural Medicine. American Family Physician, 72(11), 2263-2272.
• Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2008). Patient-Provider Race Concordance and its Association with Health Care Processes and Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. Medical Care, 46(12), 1303-1312.
• Weech-Maldonado, R., et al. (2012). The Role of Cultural Competence in Achieving Health Equity. A Health Affairs, 31(6), 2933-2940.