How Language/ Culture Has Impacted Communication with Healthcare Professionals 

The patient noted that the differences in communication styles often present a challenge when communicating with healthcare professionals. In his culture, younger people avoid eye contact with older persons and are often not encouraged to engage them in long conversations. The topics around sexuality are also forbidden. He also noted that the handshake is highly revered in his culture as it is a sign of respect and communism. These practices sometimes present challenges when he is communicating with his caregivers. He has trouble maintaining eye contact and often has an impulse to shake other people’s hands.

Analysis of the Concept of Cultural Humility

The interview gave me an insight into the significance of cultural humility in healthcare. Recognizing cultural differences and diversity in healthcare can help caregivers tailor their engagement processes toward the patient’s belief system. As evident in the interview, perception and definition of health, illness, adoption of healthcare practices, and beliefs in conventional medicines differ. Cultural humility requires that caregivers acknowledge these differences and interrogate how their beliefs and identity will help them respect their patients’ individuality.

 References

Lekas, H.-M., Pahl, K., & Fuller Lewis, C. (2020). Rethinking cultural competence: Shifting to cultural humility. Health Services Insights, 13, 117863292097058. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178632920970580

Omenka, O. I., Watson, D. P., & Hendrie, H. C. (2020). Understanding the healthcare experiences and needs of African immigrants in the United States: A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8127-9 

Zarzycka, D., Chrzan-Rodak, A., Bąk, J., Niedorys-Karczmarczyk, B., & Ślusarska, B. (2020). Nurse Cultural Competence-cultural adaptation and validation of the Polish version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale and preliminary research results. PLOS ONE, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240884