Be Sensitive to Patient’s Preferences
As I mentioned previously, cultural competence is very important especially when working in health care. Each one of us identifies ourselves through our culture in one way or another. It involves parts or all of our belief systems, values, customs and way of life. According to the Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, culture is the sum total of all contributions of a group of people, in a designated area, within a given time. It represents, more specifically, the aesthetic or intellectual achievement of an individual or a society, and also the lifestyle of a society passed on from generation to generation.
It is important for us to not only be aware of our beliefs and customs, but also to be aware of others. Things that may be seen as endearing to one person may be perceived as a threat to another. With this, some important things to be aware of include 1) personal space and perception of personal space; 2) gender differences and preferences; 3) language barriers; 4) cultural preference; 5) healing behaviors; and 6) concepts of timeliness.
Personal space is something that is very important to be aware of especially in the physical therapy profession. For some, < 2 feet of space is perceived as being attentive and caring while others see it as being disrespectful and an invasion of privacy. This is why it is very important to be aware of one's preferences and to make sure your patients understand some parts of therapy may include entering zones they may feel uncomfortable with.
Gender differences and preferences are also very important, especially when the client and therapist are of different genders. Some patients may request a same-sex therapist, due to either comfort levels or because it is custom to do so. One should not be offended if this occurs. Most times it doesn't happen because the person is being sexist or because they have a personal issue with the therapist; they may just be very uncomfortable with the situation or it may be against their cultural and religious practice. Here, the request should be respected if possible and one should remain nonjudgmental toward the request.
Language barriers are also very important. Verbal expression in language is the main source that we use to communicate other than body language. It is important to always have an interpreter present in the event that there is a language discrepancy. A PT may assume that a patient understands their instructions when in reality they understood you to say something completely opposite.
These are some things that are very important to be aware of. I will further discuss concepts of timeliness, healing behaviors and cultural preference next week. I hope everyone has a very happy holiday!!!