Cultural Differences In Health And Social Care

Given that diversity thrives, the project of understanding each other is both terrifying and important. It is a journey never finished, because the process and the end points change constantly. We live in a world that feeds from communication. We can’t get from point A to point B without communicating but when cultural differences come into play it can be a bit difficult. I will be discussing three theories that I relate to everyday at work and at home. Understanding culture, communicating and cultural variation, the function of language and using language to share information and lastly why we listen and being empathetic listeners is important. Culture is a learned system of a way of thinking and behavior that belong to and symbolizes a group of people; it is the combination of their shared beliefs, values and practice. Just as we
learn culture through communication, we also use communication to express our culture.
Delivering quality healthcare to culturally diverse population is an increasing challenge in healthcare. Barbara Schouten of Cultural Differences in Medical Communication: A Review of the Literature states that “Culture and ethnicity have often been cited as barriers in establishing an effective and satisfying doctor-patient relationship.” In the healthcare setting where I work, we encounter many different languages, beliefs and cultures that have different worldviews that can lead to confusion, misinterpretation and misunderstanding but we have to find ways to be able to give our patients vital information regarding their health that way they are able to make decisions regarding their health. Effective communication with patients is vital to the safety and quality of care. Barriers to this communication include differences in language and culture. Language plays an important role in
communication and understanding is key to using language to give and receive information. In Communication and You: an Introduction, Dan O’Hair states, “Have you ever asked a sick child to tell you where it hurts only to receive a vague and unhelpful answer?” This is something I run into almost daily. Patients are not use to questioning physicians and therefore if not sure, they rather not ask. I have had multiple occasions where I ask a patient what is the reason for coming in to see the surgeon and most will say “I don’t know; I was referred by my primary physician.” Obviously there is a language barrier between the physician and the patient. There are many ways to help patients understand what is being told to them by simply educating yourself and taking your time to help the patient. In the surgery department where I work I use many hats but the one I wear proudly is helping patient understand the care and treatment they will be receiving and making sure all their questions are answered. There are four important aspects of informing; questioning, describing, reinforcing, and withholding. There are several ways we communicate the information; verbally, language line (a 3 way calling system a person interprets in the patients preferred language can hear me then tell the patient, the patient will tell the interpreter and the interpreter will tell me), translators and also through skype interpreter. Using effective communication helps with patient safety, patients understanding their care and helps us understand what the patient is feeling and is able to empathize with our patients and in return provide better care. Has anyone wondered why we listen? Listening is not just being polite; it adds a great deal of value for the listener. There are many reasons for listening to others. You listen to comprehend, to evaluate, to communicate empathy, and to appreciate. When we take on in empathic listening, we try to know how others feel valued and respected, and by listening and communicating effectively with our patients we can develop a treatment plan specifically around their needs. Empathy allows us to engage and empower our patients to take charge of their health and well being. Enhancing empathic engagement in patient care is one of the important tasks of medical education. When a patient is informed that they have been diagnosed with a serious illness for that patient the world has just came crushing over them. They have mixed emotions, they feel helpless. As O’Hair explains, “When you listen empathically, it’s helpful to paraphrase the thoughts and feelings being expressed.” Although we want to feel sorry for the patients we have to show different. Putting ourselves in the patient’s position helps us understand the patient and therefore are able to provide the care they need and deserve. It is with empathy that we can engage and empower our patients. Despite the clear cultural diversity, and language barriers, we live in a world that feeds from communication and if we want to get to point A from point B we need to be able to communicate and look at culture differences. The three theories I discussed; understanding culture, communicating and cultural variations; the functions of language and using language to share information; and lastly why we listen and being empathetic listener is important are just a few ways to help us understand cultural differences and how language is important for communications, how you can apply these to your work environment as well as your daily lives and how you can help others understand why communication is a vital in our lives and the lives of other. Simply by speaking the language of a patient’s reassures them that they will be communicated the information they need.