1. Assess and include transcultural beliefs including language, religious practices, socioeconomic status, end-of-life practices, dietary preferences, risky behaviors 2. Identify healthcare behaviors (i.e. nontraditional therapies) 3. Identify challenges and barriers to healthcare and outcomes related to these challenges 4. Develop an evidence-based plan that can be used to improve healthcare outcomes and access to healthcare (including use of IT systems, interdisciplinary members, etc.) for your selected culture. Provide supporting data from peer-reviewed articles Minimum of 3 references within 5 years
Assessing transcultural beliefs and understanding their influence on healthcare is essential for providing culturally competent care. This is particularly important given the increasing diversity of patient populations and the need to address health disparities across different cultures. In this assignment, we will focus on a specific culture and assess the transcultural beliefs related to language, religious practices, socioeconomic status, end-of-life practices, dietary preferences, and risky behaviors. We will also explore healthcare behaviors and identify challenges and barriers to healthcare faced by this culture. Finally, we will develop an evidence-based plan to improve healthcare outcomes and access to healthcare for the selected culture.
The selected culture for this assignment is the Filipino culture. The Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. Language plays a significant role among Filipinos, as Filipino and English are the official languages. Communication barriers may arise when healthcare providers are not proficient in either of these languages. This can lead to miscommunication and hinder the delivery of healthcare services.
Religious practices are deeply ingrained in the Filipino culture, with the majority of the population being Roman Catholic. Religious beliefs often influence healthcare decisions, such as end-of-life practices and the use of nontraditional therapies. It is important for healthcare providers to respect and accommodate these beliefs when providing care.
Socioeconomic status is a crucial factor in understanding healthcare access and outcomes among Filipinos. Poverty rates are high in certain regions, limiting access to healthcare services. This can result in delayed or inadequate care, leading to poorer health outcomes. It is important to address these socioeconomic disparities and provide healthcare interventions that are accessible and affordable for all members of the Filipino community.
End-of-life practices in the Filipino culture are often influenced by religious beliefs. The concept of “bayanihan” (community support) is highly valued, and families often play a central role in caring for their loved ones during their last stages of life. Preferences for home care and involving extended family members in decision-making should be respected. It is essential to provide culturally sensitive end-of-life care that aligns with the Filipino cultural values.
Dietary preferences are diverse within the Filipino culture, with a wide range of food choices influenced by regional and ethnic variations. Rice is a staple food, and a typical Filipino diet consists of a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, there may be variations in dietary choices among Filipinos due to individual preferences and health conditions. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these dietary preferences and provide appropriate nutritional guidance.
Risky behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can pose significant health risks among Filipinos. These behaviors are influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, peer pressure, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about these cultural factors and incorporate appropriate health promotion strategies to address these risky behaviors.
In terms of healthcare behaviors, Filipinos often rely on a combination of traditional and nontraditional therapies. Traditional healing practices, such as the use of herbal remedies and traditional healers (albularyo), are still prevalent within the community. In addition, Filipinos have a high utilization rate of alternative and complementary medicine. Healthcare providers should be open-minded and respectful of these practices while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the interventions.
Challenges and barriers to healthcare faced by the Filipino community include language barriers, limited healthcare access due to socioeconomic factors, and cultural differences in health beliefs and practices. Language barriers can hinder effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate care. Socioeconomic challenges can result in delayed or inadequate access to healthcare services, leading to health disparities. Finally, cultural differences in health beliefs and practices can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between healthcare providers and patients. These challenges should be recognized and addressed to improve healthcare outcomes for the Filipino community.
To improve healthcare outcomes and access to healthcare for the Filipino culture, an evidence-based plan can be developed. This plan should encompass various components, including the use of IT systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, providing culturally competent care, and addressing socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access. Utilizing IT systems, such as electronic health records and telehealth, can improve communication and access to care for Filipinos, especially those living in remote or underserved areas. Interdisciplinary collaboration, involving healthcare providers, community leaders, and cultural liaisons, can help tailor healthcare interventions to the specific needs of the Filipino community. Cultural competency training for healthcare providers should be implemented to ensure respectful and effective care. Additionally, efforts should be made to address socioeconomic disparities by implementing policies that aim to reduce financial barriers to healthcare access and improve health insurance coverage for Filipinos.
In conclusion, assessing transcultural beliefs and understanding their influence on healthcare is crucial for providing culturally competent care. The Filipino culture presents specific challenges and barriers to healthcare, including language barriers, socioeconomic factors, and cultural differences in health beliefs and practices. Developing an evidence-based plan that incorporates IT systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and efforts to address socioeconomic disparities can help improve healthcare outcomes and access to healthcare for the Filipino community.