Understanding Cultural Diversity Health Team Relations

Holistic Care Definition: Care for the well-being of the whole person.

Family Organization Nuclear Extended

Nuclear or Extended Hispanic American Native American Polish American Italian American African American British American

Family Organization PatriarchalMatriarchal

Language Dominant language in U.S. is ENGLISH What percent of U.S. population speaks a language other than English at home? 20% Health care workers must ask questions to determine the patient’s ability to communicate. When possible, find a translator.

Techniques for Non-English Speaking Patients Speak slowly and use simple words Use gestures or pictures Use non-verbal – smile and touch DON’T speak louder Learn a few essential words and phrases

Personal Space and Touch Close contact vs. distant contact cultures Stay out of my space!

Personal Space and Touch Arab French & Latin Americans Hispanic Americans Gender European & African Americans Asian Americans Cambodia Vietnamese Middle Eastern Native American

Eye Contact European Americans Maintaining eye contact sign of interest and trustworthiness

Eye Contact What about other cultures?

Gestures Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. Health care workers must be sensitive when using hand gestures