Perception of the Dilemma
When communicating with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, it is important to present information in a clear and respectful manner. In this example, it is a lack of communication that caused of the ethical dilemma. The ordering physician did not explain the procedure to the husband and the patient. If the physician had explained the injection process, it would have given the husband the opportunity to contact our unit and we could have developed a mutually acceptable plan of care that would respect their wishes and provide culturally congruent care.
Presentation of Both Sides of the Issue
In Arab culture, the roles of husband, wife and children are well-organized. From the husband’s standpoint, his duty in the family includes being the decision-maker, communicator, and protector. He values the belief that as the leader of the family, his job is to protect the family, to make sure his wife’s modesty is respected and to be present if she needs him (Mutair, Plummer, O’Brien, and Clerehan, 2014). From the …show more content…
They also did not understand the concept of collectivist culture. Collectivist cultures are defined as the cultures that value the group over the individual. The individual’s function in the group is important to the success of the group and by considering the needs of the group, one also protects oneself. Collectivist groups are wary of outsiders, but are emotionally close to each other (University of the Pacific, n.d.). The team was not aware of the husband’s role in the family as decision-maker and protector. We also did not understand that he would interact with providers instead of his wife or that he would want to be in the room with her during the procedure. Lastly, we were unaware of her need for modesty around staff members of the opposite sex and her desire to be cared for by female staff
When communicating with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, it is important to present information in a clear and respectful manner. In this example, it is a lack of communication that caused of the ethical dilemma. The ordering physician did not explain the procedure to the husband and the patient. If the physician had explained the injection process, it would have given the husband the opportunity to contact our unit and we could have developed a mutually acceptable plan of care that would respect their wishes and provide culturally congruent care.
Presentation of Both Sides of the Issue
In Arab culture, the roles of husband, wife and children are well-organized. From the husband’s standpoint, his duty in the family includes being the decision-maker, communicator, and protector. He values the belief that as the leader of the family, his job is to protect the family, to make sure his wife’s modesty is respected and to be present if she needs him (Mutair, Plummer, O’Brien, and Clerehan, 2014). From the …show more content…
They also did not understand the concept of collectivist culture. Collectivist cultures are defined as the cultures that value the group over the individual. The individual’s function in the group is important to the success of the group and by considering the needs of the group, one also protects oneself. Collectivist groups are wary of outsiders, but are emotionally close to each other (University of the Pacific, n.d.). The team was not aware of the husband’s role in the family as decision-maker and protector. We also did not understand that he would interact with providers instead of his wife or that he would want to be in the room with her during the procedure. Lastly, we were unaware of her need for modesty around staff members of the opposite sex and her desire to be cared for by female staff