Using the patient information provided, choose a culture unfamiliar to you and describe what would be important to remember while you interview a 19-year-old female college student to the hospital for fevers. Discuss the health care support systems available in your community for someone of this culture. If no support systems are available in your community, identify a national resource. About two hundreds words with at least 3 references with incitation is required Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
When conducting an interview with a 19-year-old female college student from an unfamiliar culture who is being admitted to the hospital for fevers, it is imperative to be aware of cultural considerations to ensure effective communication and provide appropriate care. This paper will discuss key factors to remember during such an interview and explore the available healthcare support systems in the community for this specific culture.
Cultural Considerations
When interviewing a patient from an unfamiliar culture, it is essential to approach the interaction with sensitivity and an open mind. Culture plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s beliefs, values, and behaviors, which can influence health-seeking behaviors and perceptions of healthcare professionals (Baker, 2014). For the purpose of this assignment, let us consider the culture of the Maasai people from East Africa, a culture that may be unfamiliar to many healthcare professionals.
While interviewing a 19-year-old female Maasai college student, it is important to understand that the Maasai have a patriarchal society in which hierarchy and respect are highly valued (Fitzgerald, 2015). Consequently, the patient may be less likely to openly express her concerns or question the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Building a rapport based on trust and respect is crucial, and the healthcare provider should demonstrate a collaborative approach to decision-making.
Communication can be challenging when language barriers exist, as is often the case when working with patients from different cultures. Maasai people predominantly speak Maa, a Nilotic language (Othieno et al., 2015). In this situation, accessing a professional interpreter who is familiar with the Maa language and Maasai culture would be invaluable to accurately convey both medical information and cultural nuances. Additionally, utilizing visual aids and nonverbal cues can enhance communication with patients who may have limited English proficiency.
Cultural norms and beliefs also influence healthcare-seeking behavior. The Maasai culture, for example, places importance on traditional healing practices, including the use of medicinal plants and rituals (Fitzgerald, 2015). It is crucial for healthcare providers to respect and acknowledge these beliefs while providing evidence-based medical care. By incorporating traditional remedies into the treatment plan when appropriate, healthcare professionals can establish a collaborative approach that is culturally sensitive and respects patients’ preferences.
Healthcare Support Systems
Within the community, it is important to assess the availability of healthcare support systems for individuals from the Maasai culture. In many cases, local communities may not have specific support systems tailored to minority cultures, as they may lack the resources or awareness to develop such programs. In such instances, national resources can play a significant role in providing culturally appropriate support.
One national resource in the United States that can be accessed is the Office of Minority Health (OMH). The OMH is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and aims to improve healthcare outcomes for minority populations (Office of Minority Health, n.d). They provide resources, educational materials, and assistance in finding healthcare providers who are sensitive to cultural diversity. The OMH can be an invaluable source of information for healthcare providers seeking guidance on delivering culturally competent care to patients from unfamiliar cultures like the Maasai.
Another resource is the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), which focuses on integrating traditional medicine and alternative therapies into healthcare (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, n.d). The NCCIH funds research and provides information on traditional healing practices, such as herbal medicine, that may be relevant to cultures like the Maasai. By utilizing these resources, healthcare providers can expand their knowledge and understanding of cultural practices to provide comprehensive care.
Conclusion
When interviewing a 19-year-old female Maasai college student being admitted to the hospital for fevers, it is essential to consider cultural factors that could impact the interview process. Understanding the Maasai culture’s hierarchical structure, communication barriers, traditional healing practices, and patient preferences is crucial. Additionally, recognizing the limitations of local healthcare support systems in catering to specific cultures is important, and utilizing national resources like the Office of Minority Health and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health can supplement the care provided. By incorporating cultural sensitivity into the interview process and utilizing available resources, healthcare professionals can ensure the provision of culturally competent care for individuals from unfamiliar cultures like the Maasai.