Working With Cultural Differences in Patient Care

Our patients come to us from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds which may be very different from our own.  It might be automatic to think of another culture’s way of doing things as wrong, or expect someone else to respond as we would.   These distinctions may become barriers to communication, disrupt patient scheduling, and inhibit treatment.  However, awareness of, and sensitivity to, these differences can allow for a productive, effective professional relationship, resulting in the desired outcomes.  Further, interacting with people different than oneself can be a stimulating, enlightening, and engaging experience.

Some cultures are very individualistic, in which a person acts independently, and is judged by what he is able to achieve.  Other cultures are more collectivistic, in which the family or community is the primary unit, not the individual, with decisions made as a group.  Even within a country, there are many cultures, influenced by region, heritage, and economic status.

Other cultural characteristics may influence patient care delivery.  Gender preferences may be very important.  The concept of time may be fluid or rigid, affecting adherence to scheduled appointments.  The use of traditional treatments must be considered due to potential interactions, positively or negatively, with the prescribed plan of care.  Some treatments may not be consistent with the patient’s religion or culture.  Even something as simple as the greeting before beginning work may set different tones.  Reporting pain and other symptoms is influenced by cultural expectations.  These factors, combined with differing communication styles, could affect obtaining consent for care.  A provider must also realize that her own culture will be seen as foreign and may not be understood. 

This poster will use cases to describe situations in which cultural differences had the potential to impede care, and ways to accommodate them in order to improve patient care.