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.
Cultural group reviewed within this course. Using Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model
Full Answer Section
Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Time:
- Time Perception: “Mañana” time may be more flexible than a strict adherence to schedules.
- 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.
- 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.