Mn552 discussion board topic 1 and 2 : cultural competence & healthy
Topic 1: Getting to Know You and Cultural Competence
Introduction: I am a healthcare professional with a background in nursing. As a nurse, I have been exposed to different cultural backgrounds and have developed a keen interest in cultural competence in healthcare. I strongly believe that every individual, irrespective of their ethnicity, deserves the best quality of care, and cultural competence is a crucial factor in achieving this goal.
National CLAS Standards: The National CLAS Standards aim to eliminate health disparities and improve healthcare quality for all individuals. The standards are designed to provide a framework to implement culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in healthcare organizations. The standards are divided into three themes: Governance, Leadership, and Workforce; Communication and Language Assistance; and Engagement, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability.
Ethnic/Cultural Background: I come from a Hispanic background, and my cultural beliefs and practices have influenced my health perception. In Hispanic culture, health is viewed as the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. The use of home remedies and herbal medicine is common in the Hispanic community. Family support plays a significant role in the management of health conditions.
Potential Cultural/Linguistic Needs: I have chosen the Asian American community as a different culture to discuss potential cultural/linguistic needs. Asian Americans come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and their health beliefs and practices vary. In Asian cultures, food is an integral part of their tradition, and food preferences play a vital role in their health. Asian Americans may prefer traditional medicines over modern western medicine. Family and community support also play a significant role in the management of health conditions.
CLAS Standard: One of the CLAS standards that support the identified need is “Communication and Language Assistance.” This standard aims to ensure that language barriers do not hinder access to healthcare services. The advanced practice nurse can promote culturally sensitive care by providing language interpretation services, such as trained interpreters, to facilitate communication between the patient and healthcare providers. The nurse can also educate the patient about the importance of seeking timely medical care, adherence to medications, and the need for regular health check-ups.
Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse: The role of the advanced practice nurse in promoting culturally sensitive care is crucial. The nurse can assess the patient’s cultural beliefs and practices and tailor the healthcare plan accordingly. The nurse can educate the patient about the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and how it can impact their health outcomes positively. The nurse can also advocate for resources and policies that promote cultural competence in healthcare organizations.
References:
Office of Minority Health. (n.d.). The National CLAS Standards. Retrieved from http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53
Topic 2: Healthy People 2020
Introduction: Healthy People 2020 is a national agenda that provides science-based objectives to improve the health and well-being of all individuals in the United States. The initiative aims to promote health and prevent disease by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and implementing evidence-based interventions.
Healthy People 2020 Initiative: I have selected the “Immunization and Infectious Diseases” initiative. The initiative aims to increase immunization rates and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in the United States. The initiative includes several objectives, such as increasing the proportion of children and adults who receive recommended vaccines, reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, and increasing the use of immunization information systems.
Preventative Health Services: Several preventive health services are available to promote immunization and prevent infectious diseases. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases, and they are recommended for all individuals based on their age, health status, and occupation. Immunization schedules for children and adults are available and should be followed strictly. Health screenings, such as tuberculosis screening and HIV testing, can