Cultural Diversity

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: OBJECTIVES At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: Differentiate between generalization and stereotyping. Differentiate between ethnocentrism and cultural relativity. Define cultural competency

What is Culture? Definition: A pattern of learned, group related perceptions - including verbal and non- verbal language, attitudes, values, belief systems, disbelief systems and behaviors - that is accepted and expected by an identity group.

What is Culture? (continued) Culture is abstract generalized flexible different for everyone Culture is not concrete stereotypical rigid the same for everyone

Cultural Competence Cultural competence: A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together as a system, that system, agency or those professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. The word “culture” is used because it implies the integrated pattern of human thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. The word “competence” is used because it implies having a capacity to function effectively

Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Knowledge of Cultural Diversity is vital at all levels of healthcare. It is essential that the healthcare worker considers specific cultural factors impacting individual patients. Each patient must be assessed for individual cultural differences.

What Healthcare Workers Brings Personal cultural heritage Educational culture Educational philosophy

Managing Diversity Remember: the individual is the focus, the culture is the background there are generational differences in the same culture and/or family cultural awareness demonstrates sensitivity, concern and respect avoid assuming you know what someone believes

Managing Diversity (continued) Remember: not everyone identifies with their culture or ethnicity the patient is their own cultural expert - ask them avoid stereotyping respect the integrity of the cultural beliefs of others

Managing Diversity (con’t) Hints for success - Be aware of your own perceptions about others and how they influence your behavior Be aware of your own cultural behaviors Learn to recognize when your perceptions of others are stereotypical - keep an open mind Remember - there is no “one way” to treat any racial or ethnic group

One Final Note Diversity is often far greater within a group than between groups. Important intergenerational differences exist within any culture. “Cookbook” approaches to working with people from diverse sociocultural backgrounds are not useful. The risk of destructive stereotyping and/or overgeneralization is great.

Remember Understanding patients' diverse cultures — their values, traditions, history and institutions — is not simply political correctness, it is integral to eliminating health care disparities and providing high-quality patient care. In a culturally diverse society, physicians and others in health care delivery need sensitivity toward diverse patient populations and work to understand culturally influenced health behaviors

Thank You