Cultural Differences In Health Care Paper

In the setting of modern healthcare, it is vitally important to be able to interact with an ever-increasing diverse population. The world in general and the United States in particular has become perceptibly transient as people move about the globe for employment and family matters. Because of this, Healthcare workers have to ensure that they are up to date and well versed in the applications available to them so that they can more effectively communicate with people of all ethnic backgrounds in order to be able to administer quality healthcare. Recommendations for improvement of culturally competent care in the clinical setting should encompass the health care provider’s sensitivity to the needs and perceptions of those with different cultural backgrounds than our own.
Communication is by far the biggest barrier between healthcare providers and those seeking healthcare. A patient who does not speak the native language and is unable to explain what is wrong with them will not be able to get the …show more content…
Differences such as gestures, eye contact, personal space and punctuality, will determine whether a healthcare provider will make a personal connection with the patient and thereby gain their trust. Healthcare providers need to remember that friendly or encouraging hand gestures such as a “thumbs up” or “ok” gesture can have a negative meaning in other cultures and by using one of these gestures could be considered offensive. The same holds true for making eye contact and knowing when to respect another’s personal space. Healthcare providers are taught the importance of making eye contact in an effort to ensure that the patient understands what is being said to them. In many cultures, however, eye contact is considered disrespectful and may prevent the patient from concentrating on what is being said to