Culturally appropriate (sensitive) care illustrates the capacity of healthcare providers and organizations in which they work to successfully deliver the services that address patients’ social, cultural, and language needs. When care is culturally appropriate, it can help improve the quality and outcomes of care while contributing to the minimization of racial and cultural health disparities (Stubbe, 2020). However, if healthcare providers do not have the required levels of cultural competence, they may make mistakes in their interactions with patients that can limit care quality and its outcomes. Thus, communication with diverse patients requires significant considerations of cultural differences and the impact that such differences may have on health (Brooks et al., 2019). Effective communication is possible when providers are well-trained in cultural competency and know how to handle complex situations. To guarantee providers’ success, cultural sensitivity training initiatives should be implemented.
The appropriate ways to communicate with patients from various cultures stem from the LEARN (Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Recommend, Negotiate) model for cross-cultural communication. When listening, providers should assess their patients’ understanding of their health condition, “bringing an attitude of humility and curiosity to promote trust and understanding” (Ladha et al., 2018, p. 67). When explaining something, providers should keep in mind that patients may understand illness or health differently, drawing from their culture or ethnic background. Acknowledgment is illustrated through healthcare providers being polite when speaking about the differences between their views and those of patients. Besides, it is necessary to attempt to determine whether disparate belief systems can result in a therapeutic dilemma. It is necessary to recommend a treatment plan to patients and their families and, finally, negotiate a treatment plan in partnership with patients.
References
Brooks, L. A., Manias, E., & Bloomer, M. J. (2019). Culturally sensitive communication in healthcare: A concept analysis. Collegian, 26(3), 383-391.
Ladha, T., Zubairi, M., Hunter, A., Audcent, T., & Johnstone, J. (2018). Cross-cultural communication: Tools for working with families and children. Paediatrics & Child Health, 23(1), 66-69. Web.
Stubbe D. E. (2020). Practicing cultural competence and cultural humility in the care of diverse patients. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 18(1), 49-51. Web.