Intercultural Competence and Patient-Centered Care _ _____________________________________________
Questions should be framed in ways that do not make assump- tions about a patient’s culture, gender identity, sexual orienta- tion, or behavior. Language should be inclusive, allowing the patient to decide when and what to disclose. Assurance of confidentiality should be stressed to the patient to allow for a more open discussion, and confidentiality should be ensured if a patient is being referred to a different healthcare provider. Asking open-ended questions can be helpful during a history and physical. The FACT acronym may be helpful for healthcare providers. Providers should: • Focus on those health issues for which the individual seeks care • Avoid intrusive behavior • Consider people as individuals • Treat individuals according to their gender Training office staff to increase their knowledge and sensitivity toward persons will also help facilitate a positive experience for patients.
CONCLUSION Culture serves as a lens through which patients and practitio- ners filter their experiences and perceptions. Patients will bring their unique life stories and concerns to the practitioner, and their cultural values and belief systems will inevitably shape how the problem is defined and their beliefs about what is effec- tive in solving the problem. However, the cultural backgrounds and values of patients are not necessarily scripts that define behavior, and when practitioners view culture as a strength and not a pathology, practitioners will be able to more effectively join with patients to mobilize change.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/intercultural-competence
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EliteLearning.com/Social-Work
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