Cultural Awaremess: How important?

A couple of years ago, I wrote a story about a publication for nurses that dealt with cultural awareness. Within its covers were chapters written by nurses who were familiar with various cultures and their practices and customs. (“Culture & Clinical Care,” UCSF Nursing Press; $33.95.)

The book was fascinating reading―full of pearls like these:
• Hospitalized Haitian men should be offered pajamas instead of a patient gown.
• Menopause, in the Arab culture, is generally thought of as the “age of despair.”
• When meeting a Native American, a hard-grip or pumping handshake is inappropriate.

The book contained information on the cultural practices of 35 countries―more information than any nurse could possible gather on his/her own. (Bonus: The book can be downloaded onto a PDA.)

The need to understand various cultures and their beliefs is important knowledge, according to the American Geriatrics Society, which has put together a three-volume book series called “Doorway Thoughts: Cross-Cultural Health Care for Older Adults.”

Written for nurses, doctors and medical and nursing students, the first two volumes are designed to help care for older adults from many minority ethnic groups. The third volume addresses the role of religion in health care decision-making in this country. It explains various religious beliefs and practices and how this information can assist in caring for older patients.

"Culture and religion can play a significant role in a person's perception of health and disease, which is especially true for older adults,” says Sharon Brangman, MD, who is on the editorial board for the book series. "Therefore, it's important for health care providers to have an understanding of an older person's culture or religion to better understand why they make certain health-related decisions.”

Do you agree with the editors? Is it important to understand cultural differences in order to give good care?

Have you had an experience with people from ethnic minorities in which understanding their culture played an important part in the care you gave?