Briefly introduce a person you have recently cared for in your nursing practice. (Be sure not to include any identifying information that would be protected by HIPAA!) Discuss the person’s view of the cause of their health condition, the person’s health literacy, and the person’s identity on the continuum of privilege-disadvantage (Table 4 in the Lor article on p. 361). What was (or would be) your approach to care for him/her in a culturally competent way?
In my recent nursing practice, I had the opportunity to care for Mr. X, a middle-aged individual who presented with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mr. X had a longstanding belief that his health condition was solely the result of smoking, which he had engaged in for several decades. Despite his awareness of the detrimental effects of smoking on lung health, he expressed a sense of personal responsibility for his condition.
When it comes to health literacy, Mr. X appeared to possess a moderate level of knowledge about COPD. He understood that smoking played a significant role in exacerbating his symptoms and that quitting smoking was essential for managing his condition effectively. However, his understanding was limited to this specific aspect of COPD, and he seemed less informed about other factors that could contribute to the development or aggravation of COPD, such as environmental pollutants or genetic predispositions.
Considering Table 4 in the Lor article that addresses privilege and disadvantage on various continua, Mr. X’s identity can be placed on a continuum of privilege-disadvantage. Socioeconomically, Mr. X falls on the disadvantaged end of the spectrum. He had limited access to healthcare resources due to financial constraints and lacked health insurance, which affected his ability to seek regular medical care and afford medications. Additionally, Mr. X had limited educational opportunities and struggled with low health literacy, which further contributed to his disadvantage in navigating the healthcare system.
To provide culturally competent care to Mr. X, it would be essential to adopt an approach that recognizes and respects his unique needs and preferences, taking into account his worldview and experiences. Firstly, establishing effective communication with Mr. X would be crucial. By actively listening to him, acknowledging his beliefs, and validating his sense of personal responsibility, I would aim to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect. Engaging in open-ended questions and reflective listening techniques would help me gain deeper insights into his understanding of COPD and identify any misconceptions that may exist.
Secondly, in order to address Mr. X’s limited health literacy, it would be valuable to utilize various teaching strategies tailored to his individual learning needs. Presenting information in an accessible manner, using plain language, visual aids, and interactive methods, can enhance his understanding of COPD beyond the simple cause-and-effect relationship with smoking. Emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional approach to managing COPD, including medication adherence, pulmonary rehabilitation, and environmental modifications, could empower Mr. X with the knowledge and skills necessary for self-management.
Furthermore, recognizing Mr. X’s socioeconomic disadvantages is crucial in providing equitable care. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and community organizations could facilitate access to resources, such as social services, financial assistance programs, and smoking cessation support groups. Advocating for his needs and linking him to appropriate services that address his financial and healthcare limitations would be instrumental in improving his health outcomes and overall quality of life.
Lastly, respecting and valuing diversity in care is vital. Being sensitive to Mr. X’s cultural background, beliefs, and traditions would contribute to providing a culturally competent approach. As healthcare providers, we should be culturally humble, continuously seeking self-awareness, knowledge, and skills to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Respecting Mr. X’s autonomy and involving him in decision-making processes, while considering his cultural preferences and values, should be a guiding principle in the provision of care.
In conclusion, the person I recently cared for in my nursing practice, Mr. X, had a view that his health condition was primarily caused by smoking. His health literacy was moderate, with a focus on the impact of smoking on COPD. On the privilege-disadvantage continuum, he fell on the disadvantaged end due to socioeconomic constraints. To provide culturally competent care, it is important to establish effective communication, address health literacy gaps, consider socioeconomic disadvantages, and respect cultural diversity. By implementing these strategies, healthcare professionals can offer patient-centered care that acknowledges and addresses the unique needs and experiences of individuals like Mr. X.