How Might Cultural Sensitivity Improve Care Services?
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- Date Submitted: 02/24/2015 10:15 AM
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K101- 14J TMA 03
How might cultural sensitivity improve care services?
Cultural sensitivity means being aware that cultural differences and similarities exist and have an effect on values, learning and behaviour. Diversity is the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, colour, religion, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation, which is how the society in which we live is enriched.
The first step to improving care services is by developing cultural competence, being sensitive to and understanding the values, beliefs, lifestyle and practices of the service user, and exploring their own values, biases and prejudices to ensure that there no risk of imposing their own cultural values throughout the treatment of the service user. Adapting to different cultural beliefs and practices will ensure flexibility and a respect for others viewpoints. Such as in the case of the Black Minority Ethnic communities (BME) where respite carers are ethnically matched to suit the families cultural needs as the families want to know that their child’s language, religion and culture are being respected and understood. Nawaz (2006)
The benefits of cultural competency within healthcare are it allows the service users more interpersonal control over their own lives by ensuring their cultural needs are met and decisions regarding their health are not made for them, inclusion is key to building trust and relationships. Having respect for their culture allows the service user to feel comfortable and empowered. This also promotes patient centred culturally sensitive and allows ability to appropriately respond to the service user’s wants and needs.
Communication with service users can be improved and their care enhanced if health care providers can bridge the divide between the culture of medicine and the beliefs and practices that make up service users value systems. Every health care encounter provides an opportunity to have a positive effect on a service...
How might cultural sensitivity improve care services?
Cultural sensitivity means being aware that cultural differences and similarities exist and have an effect on values, learning and behaviour. Diversity is the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, colour, religion, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation, which is how the society in which we live is enriched.
The first step to improving care services is by developing cultural competence, being sensitive to and understanding the values, beliefs, lifestyle and practices of the service user, and exploring their own values, biases and prejudices to ensure that there no risk of imposing their own cultural values throughout the treatment of the service user. Adapting to different cultural beliefs and practices will ensure flexibility and a respect for others viewpoints. Such as in the case of the Black Minority Ethnic communities (BME) where respite carers are ethnically matched to suit the families cultural needs as the families want to know that their child’s language, religion and culture are being respected and understood. Nawaz (2006)
The benefits of cultural competency within healthcare are it allows the service users more interpersonal control over their own lives by ensuring their cultural needs are met and decisions regarding their health are not made for them, inclusion is key to building trust and relationships. Having respect for their culture allows the service user to feel comfortable and empowered. This also promotes patient centred culturally sensitive and allows ability to appropriately respond to the service user’s wants and needs.
Communication with service users can be improved and their care enhanced if health care providers can bridge the divide between the culture of medicine and the beliefs and practices that make up service users value systems. Every health care encounter provides an opportunity to have a positive effect on a service...