- Published: September 16, 2022
- Updated: September 16, 2022
- University / College: University of California, Davis
- Level: Intermediate School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 27
Effect of Cultural Norms in healthcare outcome In the nursing profession it has become common to encounter cases where some patients prove difficult to deal with in line with their cultural orientation. Some of Such societal norms are great impediment to healthcare provision and adherence to medical instruction by the patients. It is certain that any member of a given culture holds a varying degree of commitment to the predominant values of their respective cultures (Lilley, Collins, Snyder, 2011). From past experience being against those values sets the stage for conflict between the nurse and the patient. One of greatest cultural challenge I ever experienced was an attempt to administer a drug through injection after diagnosis of a male patient. The conflict at hand was about the male chauvinism in which the male patient blatantly refused to be injected by a female nurse because of patriarchal culture where women are not allowed to carry out any treatment on the exposed privacy of a male even in extreme cases of urgent medical need.
This was one case of real conflict since such a culture is not in line with the healthcare regulations and codes of ethics. This was one patient that dealing with proved to be futile and the solution that was at hand to save the situation was calling a male nurse to administer the injection. This is one of the cultural beliefs that have significantly affected the healthcare services around the world. The best approach towards this worldwide problem is to undertake intensive communication skills among nurses which is vital in boosting interpersonal relations and positive approaches in dealing with such culturally inclined patients (Lilley, Collins, Snyder, 2011). Another measure is to champion for healthcare promotion which helps in mitigating such effects of cultural beliefs in the outcome of patient’s healthcare.
Reference
Lilley, L. Linda, Collins R. Shelly, Snyder S. Julie. (2011). Pharmacology and the Nursing Process. 7th ed. Elsevier.
