You are admitting a 19-year old female college student to the hospital for fevers.  Using the patient information provided, choose a culture unfamiliar to you and describe what would be important to remember while you interview this patient. Discuss the health care support systems available in your community for someone of this culture. If no support systems are available in your community, identify a national resource.

Suppose the patient comes from a culture unfamiliar to the healthcare provider. In that case, it is essential to remember that cultural beliefs and practices can significantly impact the patient’s health care decision-making process. The healthcare provider must be respectful, non-judgmental, and open-minded when communicating with the patient. The provider should use clear and concise language and avoid any jargon or technical terms that may not be understood.

It is also important to recognize any cultural values and practices that may influence the patient’s health and healthcare. For example, some cultures may emphasize the importance of family involvement in healthcare decisions or may prefer traditional remedies over Western medicine. By understanding these cultural values, healthcare providers can offer culturally sensitive care that is respectful and appropriate.

In terms of healthcare support systems, many communities have resources available to support individuals from diverse cultures. These resources may include cultural liaisons, interpreter services, and community health workers who are trained to provide culturally competent care. If no such resources are available in the community, national resources such as the Office of Minority Health or the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians can provide support and guidance on culturally sensitive care.