What is culture? One definition includes those beliefs, values, and practices shared by a group. The group may be ethnic, regional, religious, or based on some other identifying characteristic such as age. An individual from another culture may have different beliefs from yours or those that are considered “normal” for a particular geographic area. The beliefs may impact communication, interaction with others, nutritional preferences, and views about illness and healthcare. How one communicates and views illness or injury, for example, influences how he or she expresses pain, if at all. In some cultures, it is not accepted to express pain. In others, the expression of pain might be minimized. The expression may be through verbal or non-verbal means. Providing information to the person in his or her own language may help them feel more at ease and may foster their understanding the material more effectively. You do not need to be an expert in every type of culture, but you should develop a baseline understanding for those cultures from which your patients/clients may come and those beliefs they may practice. Your patients/clients and their families will sense your respect for their culture. This will enhance their trust in you. It may promote compliance with care and lead to improved health. Your awareness of their culture will help patients/clients feel better about the care being provided. Although not often thought of as a “cultural diversity”, age differences play an important part in the interactions between a patient/client and the caregiver. A younger person may not accept his or her diagnosis as readily as an older person who might see it as “just part of growing older.” Additionally, keeping in mind “political correctness”, an older man probably means nothing negative by calling the nurse “honey” or “sweetheart”, but a younger nurse might see that as harassment. If your services are being provided to people from a specific culture on a regular basis, then learn more about that culture. An internet search will reveal many sources of information about the culture. Also, the public library and/or library at the local high school or college may have materials that will help. Attend events such as fairs and festivals held by a cultural group. Treating each patient/client as an individual and respecting his or her cultural beliefs and practices will build trust and promote effective response whether to the care you provide or to telephone assistance.
