Week 6: Cultural Health Practices and Beliefs

This week we explored the relevance of cultural health practices and beliefs and the impact these have in providing health care for individuals, families and communities. This included various topics including the impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM], faith, culture and cultural values on health and health outcomes and a demonstration on the importance of nurses providing culturally sensitive care.

The topics discussed made me reflect on my own culture and health beliefs, in particular, the fact that while I am a baptised catholic, I have used contraception, would consider using IVF and believe euthanasia and abortion are an individual’s choice and should not be determined by their religion. This highlighted to me the importance of tailoring health care to the individual and not only their culture and/or religion as within all cultures and religions are subcultures, ethnic groups and individuals who do not adhere to all the values and behaviours of the dominant culture (Purnell, 2014, p. 2).

I have learnt that effective communication, acknowledgement and understanding of a patients religion, culture or use of a CAM is necessary to provide holistic care. As demonstrated in the end of life care of Dianne, palliative care requires a holistic approach which addresses patient’s physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs in equal consideration and includes assisting patients with incorporating their spiritual concerns, such as hopes, dreams, fears and beliefs, into their daily care and end of life activities (Keall, Clayton & Butow, 2014, p. 3198). The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence [PMCC] (see Figure 1.1) is an assessment tool which was developed to enable culturally relevant care and simplify health assessments and interventions quickly and accurately (Purnell, 2014, p. xiv). An assessment tool such as this allows for culturally sensitive care to be provided and improved communication between patients and health professionals (Hayward & Charrette, 2012, p. 78).

Figure 1.1: Purnell Model for Cultural Competence (Purnell, 2014)

I believe by developing an understanding for the relevance and influences that faith, culture and cultural values can have on the provision of health care and utilising such assessment tools such as the PMCC, it will enable me to better my practice as a registered nurse.  This is because I will be able to provide culturally sensitive care and will have an awareness of the importance effective communication can have on a patient’s health outcomes.

References

Hayward, L. M., & Charrette, A. L. (2012). Integrating cultural competence and core values: an international service-learning model. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 78-89 12p.

Keall, R., Clayton, J. M., & Butow, P. (2014). How do Australian palliative care nurses address existential and spiritual concerns? Facilitators, barriers and strategies. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(21/22), 3197-3205 9p. doi:10.1111/jocn.12566

Purnell, L. D. (2014). Guide to culturally competent health care (3^rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA, USA: F.A. Davis Co.