Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model

Full Answer Section

       

1. Space:
   • How does your cultural group perceive personal space?
   • Is there a preference for touch during communication?
   • How comfortable might they be with physical examinations?
2. Social Organization:
   • What is the role of family in decision-making regarding healthcare?
   • Are there specific cultural practices related to illness and healing?
   • Are there cultural healers or traditional remedies that might be used?
3. Time:
   • How does your cultural group perceive time (linear, cyclical)?
   • Is there a sense of urgency regarding treatment or a preference for a more natural course of healing?
   • How might cultural beliefs about time influence appointment scheduling and follow-up care?
4. Environmental Control:
   • Does your cultural group have specific beliefs about controlling their environment to promote healing? (e.g., dietary restrictions, use of herbs)
   • How comfortable might they be with a hospital setting or surrendering control to medical professionals?
5. Biological Variations:
   • Are there any genetic predispositions or cultural dietary practices that might influence health outcomes or medication interactions?
   • Are there specific modesty practices related to certain body parts that might affect examinations?

Impact on Healthcare: By considering these factors, you can anticipate how cultural beliefs and practices might impact:

• Decision-making: Patients might rely on family input or traditional healers before making treatment decisions.
• Treatment adherence: Cultural practices or dietary restrictions might conflict with medication regimens.
• Communication: Language barriers, communication styles, or the role of family members can affect information exchange.
• Interventions: Sensitivity to touch, modesty practices, or environmental control beliefs might influence examinations or procedures.
• Education: Tailoring educational materials to align with cultural beliefs and preferred communication styles can improve understanding.

Conclusion: Giger and Davidhizar's model encourages healthcare professionals to consider cultural contexts when interacting with patients. By using this framework, you can develop culturally competent communication strategies, provide culturally sensitive interventions, and tailor your education to resonate with the patient's values and preferences, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.  

Sample Answer

     

Cultural Group: (Replace with the specific cultural group you studied)

Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model:

This model uses six cultural phenomena to assess how cultural background might influence healthcare interactions. Let's explore each in relation to your chosen cultural group:

1. Communication:

   • How does your cultural group prefer to receive information (verbal, nonverbal)?
   • Are there preferred communication styles (direct, indirect)?
   • Is there a role for family members or religious leaders in communication?