When communicating with patients from a different culture from your own you should?
Enhancing Your Cultural Communication Skills There are several ways in which clinicians working with multicultural patients & families can contribute to our customers’ positive experience at UMHS. An important first step is to be sensitive to patients’ cultural beliefs and practices and to convey our respect for their cultural values through the manner in which we communicate with them and
deliver their healthcare. This may require calling for help in interpreting behavior, either from a provider who is from the same ethnic group as the patient or from an expert familiar with the group’s language, life-style, and value preferences. It is critical that health care providers recognize individual differences and do not participate in “cultural stereotyping”. Because persons of the same ethnicity can have very different beliefs and practices, it is important to understand the
particular circumstances of the patient or family by obtaining information on: place of origin; social and economic background; degree of acculturation; and personal expectations concerning health and medical care. The following questions may be useful in assessing culturally diverse patients and families: Attitudes of the Culturally Competent Clinician Understanding: Acknowledging that there can be differences between our Western and other cultures’ healthcare values and practices. Empathy: Being sensitive to the feeling of being different. Patience: Understanding the
potential differences between our Western and other cultures’ concept of time and immediacy. Respect: Ability: To laugh with oneself and others. Trust: Investment in
building a relationship with patients which conveys a commitment to safeguard their well-being. For more assistance or information, call The Program for Multicultural Health at (734) 998-9800, or the UMHS Interpreter Services at (734) 936-7021. How to Work with a Foreign Language Interpreter Speak in short units of speech – not long involved sentences or paragraphs. The UMHS interpreters use the Consecutive Interpreting format. This is where the providers and clients take turns speaking and the interpreter interprets at the end of each turn. The longer either party talks, the greater the margin of error. Be patient. An interpreted interview takes longer. Careful interpretation often requires that the interpreter use long explanatory phrases. Not all words and thought exist in other languages; therefore, interpreting in another language may require more words to express the same meaning. Expect that the interpreter may occasionally pause to ask you for an explanation or clarification of terms in order to provide an accurate interpretation. Avoid colloquialism, abstractions, idiomatic expression, slang, similes, and metaphors. During the interaction, look at and speak directly to the client, not to the interpreter. The interpreter will stand behind and a little to the side of the patient to assist in this interaction. Avoid saying to the interpreter, “Ask him . . .” or “Tell her . . .”. Speak in first person, as will the interpreter. The interpreter will relay all that is said in the presence of the client and will not omit anything spoken on the side or anything that is said to others in the room. Listen to the client and watch their nonverbal communication. Often you can learn a lot regarding the affective aspects of the client’s response by observing facial expressions, voice intonations, and body movements. Repeat important information more than once. Always give the reason or purpose for a treatment or prescription. Check the client’s understanding and accuracy of the interpretation by asking the client to repeat instructions or whatever has been communicated in his or her own words, with the interpreter facilitating. When possible, reinforce verbal interaction with materials written in the client’s language and/or with visual aids. Do not use computer software to translate any written information. The translations are not accurate. Realize that the interpreter can not reveal any information or opinions about the patients. Do ask the interpreter to clarify any cultural norms. A videotape is available for loan from UMHS Interpreter Services entitled “Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter”. Call (734) 936-7021. Suggested Content for Enhancing Cultural Competency Among Health Care Providers Etiquette and Communication
The following “cultural highlights” although not all-inclusive may assist clinicians in interacting with patients from these cultures. Again, “cultural stereotyping” should be avoided. African American Patients
Chinese Patients
Islamic Patients
Japanese Patients
Latino Patients
Russian Patients
Source: University of Michigan Health System What should you avoid using when communicating with a different culture?Don't: Use idioms, colloquialisms, or slang
Using idioms and colloquialisms do not translate easily into other languages. Even among countries that use English as their native language, they don't necessarily share the same expressions.
How can you communicate effectively with the culturally diverse persons?Published by: LifeWorks, 1st April 2021. Use clear language. When you are communicating with a culturally diverse audience, keep your language clear, concise, and straightforward. ... . Understand differences in body language. ... . Practise reflective listening or paraphrasing. ... . Be open and inclusive of other cultures.. When dealing with patients from a different culture it is important to?When caring for patients from different cultures, it's best to listen, acknowledge, validate, and support. Be an advocate and a cheerleader for your patients.
How can you provide cultural appropriate care when communicating with clients?Being aware of your own culture opens you to understanding and being more sensitive to the cultures of others.. communicating in a. culturally appropriate way.. Speak clearly and concisely.. Check for understanding.. Be aware of non-verbal. ... . Be aware of the impact of culture.. You are communicating. ... . All cultures are equal.. |