Cultural Considerations (Interpretive Services, Privacy, Decision Making)

Definition/Etiology:

• Culture – “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group”

Clinical Presentation:

• Language barrier – use approved language line. Family cannot translate
• Alternative medicine – St. john’s wart to help with depression but did not realize it counteracted their coumadin
• Religious Beliefs – can we offer them a chaplin, preacher, pastor, etc?
• Intensity of medical interventions – Jewish typically do not receive blood transfusions
• End of life care 
• Death and dying
• Family decision making

Collaborative Management:

• Management depends on condition but ensure good communication and understanding of their cultural beliefs

Evaluation | Patient Monitoring | Education:

• Establish and continually evaluate a route of communication 
• Pain management – some cultures will not express pain.

Linchpins: (Key Points)

• Communication – make sure your method is legal
• Be aware of culture differences while also respecting that each person may not accept all views of their culture
• Assess alternative therapies