The people’s culture affects their perception of the world, habits, and values. Galanti (2000) argues that due to the importance of such influence, respect from health care providers to patients is not enough for quality care, and knowledge of culture is required. I agree with this statement as beliefs, customs, and values often affect health and healing issues. For example, representatives of some cultures will be uncomfortable working with providers of another gender, which will undermine trust and can cause stress to the patient. Some cultures do not accept blood transfusions or operations on certain days, and not complying with such customs can lead to dissatisfaction with services or even complaints. At the same time, providers should be careful when considering a patient’s culture.
Discussing culture carries the risk of stereotyping, which can also affect patients. While particular views, characteristics, or customs may be specific to a single culture, individuals do not necessarily conform to them. For example, men or even certain nationalities may be considered to have a higher pain threshold and not receive the necessary pain medication. Therefore, communication with the patient and discussion of treatment is critical for recovery.
I am familiar with several cultures and strive to expand my knowledge. Most of all, I understand the customs and behavior of my American culture. I also monitor the country’s movements on diversity, including protecting the rights of national, religious, and sexual minorities. I studied Jewish and Muslim customs and traditions and Asian and Latin-American cultures. This knowledge is necessary for the qualitative performance of my duties.
Cultural factor also plays a role in the issue of medical staff shortages, which I explore. In particular, to reduce deficits, it is crucial to take measures to retain employees and prevent burnout. An organization that welcomes and supports cultural diversity has better conditions for hiring and retaining staff, and their comfort excludes additional stress (Pressley et al., 2022). Thus, culture influences various aspects of health care and is an essential factor for consideration.
References
Galanti, G. A. (2000). An introduction to cultural differences. The Western Journal of Medicine, 172(5), 335–336. Web.
Pressley, C., Newton, D., Garside, J., Simkhada, P., & Simkhada, B. (2022). Global migration and factors that support acculturation and retention of international nurses: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 4, 1-16.