The theoretical framework of the study supports the hypothesis that healthcare providers’ knowledge and their behaviors and attitudes contribute to reducing inequalities. The actions of medical personnel should be aimed at providing patient-centered care. A deep understanding of cultural values within patient-centered care helps bridge the existing gap. Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality defends this assumption and argues that practice with consideration of the patient’s cultural backstory improves treatment.
Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, also known as Culture Care Theory (CCT) or Transcultural Nursing Theory, implies a medical practice that recognizes the culture’s importance. It was proposed by the theorist Madeleine Leininger and emphasized that cultures have a different perceptions of health and treatment (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2019). Care is provided through shared respect, knowledge of culture, and an individualized treatment approach (Purtzer & Thomas, 2019). Thus, a culturally tailored care plan reduces patient stress and promotes rapid recovery.
Applying theory to the research problem, it can be argued that expanding knowledge about different cultures contributes to better attitudes and behavior change in the direction of reducing the disparity gap. Staff learns how patients of different cultures survive the disease and find the strength to treat it, and this information promotes respect and understanding of diversity. Moreover, awareness of personal values provides the basis for an individualized approach, perceiving the patient as a unique personality behind a set of symptoms. The study of traditions allows staff to be more open about treatment, which can be considered unconventional – prayer, meditation, or communication with a spiritual mentor.
Even without functioning as medications, such methods contribute to moral calm and trust, which are essential for treatment. Thus, transcultural theory contributes to improving knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes and, accordingly, the reduction of the disparity gap.
References
McFarland, M. R., & Wehbe-Alamah, H. B. (2019). Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality: An overview with a historical retrospective and a view toward the future. Journal of Transcultural Nursing: Official Journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society, 30(6), 540–557. Web.
Purtzer, M. A., & Thomas, J. J. (2019). Intentionality in reducing health disparities: Caring as a connection. Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.), 36(3), 276–283. Web.