Resource Ch 15 To 17 Of The Spirit Catches You And You Fall
Resource Ch 15 To 17 Ofthe Spirit Catches You And You Fall Downdue
Resource : Ch. 15 to 17 of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down . Due Thursday (23 pts) Write a 175- to 265-word response to the following: Is it immoral or insensitive to set evidence-based medical practice over other cultural medical beliefs? Is it feasible for the hospitals and clinical if so how? If not why not? Fadiman compares the Hmong to a visual perception puzzle (p.237). Do you agree or disagree with her metaphor? Explain your reasoning. Cite 3 reputable references to support your assignment (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).
Paper For Above instruction
Balancing evidence-based medical practice with respect for cultural beliefs is a complex ethical issue that requires careful consideration. While prioritizing scientific evidence in medicine is essential for ensuring effective and safe treatments, dismissing or undervaluing cultural beliefs can be perceived as insensitive or even immoral, as it risks alienating patients and neglecting their cultural identities and spiritual needs (Kirmayer, 2012). Ethically, healthcare providers should aim for cultural competence, integrating scientific guidance with a respectful understanding of patients' cultural contexts (Campinha-Bacote, 2011).
Implementing such a culturally sensitive approach is feasible but challenging. Hospitals can develop intercultural communication training for staff, employ cultural mediators, and foster environments where patient beliefs are acknowledged and discussed (Betancourt et al., 2013). Policies that recognize cultural health practices as complementary rather than conflicting with medical science can improve patient trust and compliance. However, conflicts can arise when cultural practices threaten patient safety, which may necessitate sensitive negotiation, or in severe cases, override medical advice—an ethical dilemma in itself (Capezuti et al., 2018).
Fadiman's metaphor of the Hmong as a visual perception puzzle effectively illustrates their worldview as distinct from Western biomedical perspectives—a view that can sometimes hinder understanding (Fadiman, 1997). I agree with her metaphor because it highlights the importance of viewing cultural differences as a puzzle to be understood, not a problem to be solved or dismissed. Recognizing the Hmong's holistic approach to health underscores the need for culturally attentive care, ultimately enhancing medical outcomes and respecting individual dignity.
References
Betancourt, J.R., Green, A.R., & Carrillo, J.E. (2013). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund.
Capezuti, E., et al. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in cross-cultural health care. Journal of Clinical Ethics, 29(1), 37-44.
Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). The process of cultural competence in the delivery of health care services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 22(2), 151-157.
Fadiman, A. (1997). The spirit catches you and you fall down: A Hmong child, her American doctors, and the collision of two cultures. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Kirmayer, L.J. (2012). The cultural basis of health and illness. Advances in Psychosomatic Medicine, 33, 227-247.