Explain the relevance of  the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence  for advanced practice nurse.

Diversity and health, diversity and health, psychopharmacology and

The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence is an important tool for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to use when assessing and treating patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. This model helps APNs recognize the impact of culture on patient health and healthcare decision-making. The model provides guidance on how to identify and understand a patient’s cultural values, beliefs, and experiences in order to provide more effective care.

Developed by Dr. Larry Purnell in 1991, the model is organized into twelve different domains which are used to evaluate a patient’s overall cultural competency level including: communication; language; spiritual/religious beliefs; family roles & dynamics; socioeconomic status; nutrition practices; health practices & beliefs; education level & literacy levels; acculturation level of immigrant/refugee patients; age-related factors related to conventional norms or expectations for individuals at various stages in life cycle development; gender role expectations related to male versus female roles in society, etc. By assessing these domains, APNs can gain a better understanding of their patients’ social context and the influences that shape their decisions regarding their health care needs.

Understanding different cultures is essential for providing quality healthcare services that meet each individual’s needs. APNs need to be aware of any potential biases or assumptions they may have about certain cultures as well as any potential knowledge gaps that may exist due to lack of familiarity with certain customs or traditions associated with certain ethnicities or populations. The Purnell Model assists APNs in gaining an understanding of how best to work with differences among patients while still providing high quality care that respects each individual’s culture and background.