Cultural group reviewed within this course. Using Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model

Choose one cultural group reviewed within this course. Using Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model, perform a comprehensive assessment of how your selected cultural group’s beliefs and practices might impact healthcare decision-making, treatment adherence, your communication, your interventions, and your education to align with the patient's cultural values and preferences.

Full Answer Section

     

Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model:

  1. Communication:
  • Verbal: Respect for elders and authority figures might lead to patients deferring to family members during communication.
  • Non-verbal: Direct eye contact may be seen as disrespectful. Allowing silence for processing information is important.
  • Language: Speak slowly and clearly. Use a translator if needed.
  1. Space:
  • Personal Space: Closer physical proximity may be comfortable than for some other cultures.
  • Family Involvement: Family members may accompany patients and actively participate in discussions.
  1. Social Organization:
  • Family Orientation: Family plays a central role in healthcare decisions. Respect family dynamics.
  • Machismo/Marianismo: Traditional gender roles may influence decision-making. Men may be primary decision-makers, while women take on caregiving roles.
  1. Time:
  • Time Perception: “Mañana” time may be more flexible than a strict adherence to schedules.
  1. Environmental Control:
  • Folk Beliefs: Belief in "mal de ojo" (evil eye) or "susto" (soul fright) might influence healthcare-seeking behavior.
  • Traditional Healers: Patients may seek treatment from curanderos (healers) alongside conventional medicine.
  1. Biological Variations:
  • Genetic Predispositions: Be aware of potential genetic risks for certain diseases within the Hispanic/Latino population.

Impact on Healthcare:

  • Decision-Making: Involve family members in discussions. Respect their input and decision-making processes.
  • Treatment Adherence: Explain treatments clearly and address concerns about side effects or potential conflicts with traditional beliefs.
  • Communication: Use clear, respectful language, and avoid medical jargon. Utilize professional interpreters when needed.
  • Interventions: Consider family-centered approaches and culturally appropriate treatment options.
  • Education: Provide patient education materials translated into Spanish or the preferred language. Tailor information to address potential cultural beliefs about illness.

Conclusion:

By understanding cultural values and beliefs through Giger and Davidhizar's model, healthcare providers can build trust with patients, improve communication, and ensure culturally competent care for the Hispanic/Latino population. This leads to better healthcare outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

Sample Answer

     

This assessment explores how cultural beliefs and practices of the Hispanic/Latino population might impact healthcare decision-making, treatment adherence, communication, interventions, and patient education.

Cultural Group: Hispanic/Latino

The Hispanic/Latino population is a diverse group with origins throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. However, some common cultural themes can influence healthcare interactions.