CULTURAL DIVERSITY

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? (CON’T)

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 (CON’T)

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.

RememberUnderstanding patients' diverse cultures — their values, traditions, history and institutions — is not simply political correctness, it is integral to it is integral to

eliminating health care disparities and providing eliminating health care disparities and providing high-quality patient care. 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