Category Archives: healthcare

10 cultural factors that influence health care

In order to improve health care delivery and outcomes, providers must develop the cultural competence to serve patients from diverse cultures. Western culture takes a biomedical approach to health care. However, many cultures take a more holistic approach that includes … Continue reading

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Should Physicians Tell Patients the Truth?

Many Western doctors believe it is best to give full disclosure to patients regarding the diagnosis, treatment options and potential outcomes of severe or life threatening illnesses. This is considered the patient’s right to autonomy. While patient autonomy is held … Continue reading

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Understanding Patients Customs and Beliefs

Clinical staff can improve their relationships with patients by understanding the diversity of health care customs and rituals across cultures.  Clinicians should also identify their own cultural filters and biases and how they impact client services. Understanding patients’ and one’s … Continue reading

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The Business Case for Culturally Competent Health Care

Culturally competent health care is good business. Health care organizations that can provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to their diverse clientele at all points of contact will have better service delivery and health outcomes, while boosting the bottom line. … Continue reading

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5 Standards for Delivering Culturally Competent Healthcare

Culturally competent healthcare delivery is not just the right thing to do, it ‘s also good business sense. It is the culturally competent organization that will have a competitive edge in the health care market and a decreased likelihood of … Continue reading

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