How can community health nurses apply the strategies of cultural competence to their practice? Provide at least one example from each of the following four strategies: cultural preservation, cultural accommodation, cultural repatterning, and cultural brokering. What is a possible barrier to applying the strategy/example chosen? Use an example that is different than the postings of other students. This example should include an evidence-based article that addresses a cultural issue. Response should include an APA reference.
Community health nurses play a critical role in providing healthcare services that are culturally competent. Cultural competence is defined as the ability to understand, appreciate, and respect individual and group differences in order to effectively meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations. By applying the strategies of cultural competence to their practice, community health nurses can ensure that they are providing high-quality care that is sensitive to the cultural beliefs, practices, and values of the communities they serve. In this essay, I will discuss each of the four strategies of cultural competence (cultural preservation, cultural accommodation, cultural repatterning, and cultural brokering) and provide an example of each, as well as identify a possible barrier to applying the chosen example.
The first strategy of cultural competence is cultural preservation, which involves supporting and promoting the preservation of traditional cultural practices and beliefs. For example, a community health nurse working with an indigenous community may incorporate traditional healing practices into their healthcare services. This could include collaborating with local healers or incorporating traditional medicines into treatment plans. By recognizing and respecting the importance of these cultural practices, the community health nurse can foster trust and build stronger relationships with the community.
A potential barrier to applying cultural preservation is the lack of resources or knowledge about traditional healing practices within mainstream healthcare systems. In many cases, traditional healing practices may not be widely recognized or supported by Western medicine. This could create challenges in integrating traditional practices into care plans and may require additional education and collaboration with local healers to ensure the practices are safe and effective. For instance, a study by Nelson (2017) examined the role of cultural preservation in promoting the health and well-being of indigenous communities in the United States. The study highlighted the importance of recognizing and incorporating traditional healing practices into healthcare services to improve health outcomes among indigenous populations.
The second strategy of cultural competence is cultural accommodation, which involves adapting healthcare practices to be more congruent with the cultural beliefs and values of the community. An example of cultural accommodation could be providing interpretation services for non-English speaking patients or incorporating cultural traditions into care plans. For instance, a community health nurse working with a Hispanic community may include foods that are culturally significant in a diabetic diet plan to promote adherence and improve health outcomes.
A possible barrier to applying cultural accommodation is the limited availability of resources or funding to support the necessary adaptations. Providing interpretation services or incorporating cultural traditions into care plans may require additional staff, training, or materials, which may not always be feasible in resource-limited settings. This can pose challenges in delivering culturally appropriate care and may require innovative approaches to overcome these barriers. For example, a study by Campinha-Bacote et al. (2016) examined the use of telemedicine to improve access to culturally competent care for rural communities. The study demonstrated the potential of technology to bridge the gap and enhance communication and understanding between healthcare providers and patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The third strategy of cultural competence is cultural repatterning, which involves promoting new or modified cultural patterns that support the health and well-being of individuals and communities. An example of cultural repatterning could be implementing community health education programs that address cultural beliefs or practices that may contribute to health disparities. For instance, a community health nurse working with a community that has a high prevalence of smoking may develop a smoking cessation program that incorporates cultural norms and values to increase effectiveness and engagement.
A potential barrier to applying cultural repatterning is resistance or reluctance from the community to participate in new or modified cultural practices. Cultural change can be challenging and may require significant community engagement and support. Additionally, overcoming political, social, or economic factors that perpetuate unhealthy cultural patterns can be complex. For example, a study by Kegler et al. (2016) explored the cultural repatterning of tobacco use in rural communities. The study highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for comprehensive, multi-level interventions to address cultural patterns that contribute to tobacco use.
The fourth strategy of cultural competence is cultural brokering, which involves advocating for individuals and communities by bridging the gap between their cultural beliefs and the healthcare system. An example of cultural brokering could be assisting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in navigating the healthcare system, advocating for their needs, or facilitating communication with healthcare providers. For instance, a community health nurse may serve as a cultural broker for immigrant populations by providing information on healthcare services, helping with appointment scheduling, and interpreting medical information.
A barrier to applying cultural brokering is the lack of knowledge or understanding among healthcare providers about the cultural beliefs and practices of diverse communities. Without proper education and training, healthcare providers may inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes, biases, or misunderstandings that can negatively impact communication and trust. To overcome this barrier, ongoing education and training for healthcare providers on cultural competence and the needs of diverse populations is essential. For example, a study by Cassidy et al. (2019) explored the impact of cultural brokering training on the communication and healthcare experiences of refugee women. The study demonstrated the value of cultural brokering in improving access to culturally competent care and enhancing the overall healthcare experiences of refugee populations.
In conclusion, community health nurses can effectively apply the strategies of cultural competence to their practice by engaging in cultural preservation, accommodation, repatterning, and brokering. Each strategy has its own unique benefits and potential barriers. However, by recognizing and respecting the cultural beliefs, practices, and values of the communities they serve, community health nurses can ensure the delivery of high-quality, culturally appropriate care.