Proper communication is a rather crucial aspect in healthcare for a number of reasons. When it is effective and proper, it shows the professionals’ respect for the patient and may lead to successful results. Understandably, this leads to an interesting aspect related to the matter: cultural diversity and sensitivity. The following text will review the importance of these two features, while explaining what may happen if the latter is ignored.
The importance of cultural diversity in healthcare communication is emphasized by a number of reasons. It helps professionals respect a patient’s individual needs and guarantees that the services provided will be safe and equitable (Brooks, et al., 2019). Moreover, this gives the former the opportunity to meet the cultural, social and linguistic requirements of the latter (Henderson et al., 2018). This feature educates doctors and nurses to have a better understanding of the correlation between the patient’s culture, their personal opinions and values. That way, it is easier for them to understand how these three aspects influence each other.
What makes the involvement of cultural diversity in healthcare so complicated is the vague definition of culturally sensitive communication is rather vague. Previous research has shown that a significant number of doctors and nurses are unaware of how to properly execute it, which has a negative impact not only on their work, but on the healthcare sector in general (Brooks, et al., 2019). Currently, healthcare professionals struggle with approaching the matter in a suitable way, which is rather concerning.
If they fail to incorporate cultural sensitivity, many negative consequences will follow. First, the patients will be rather dissatisfied with their appointments and healthcare experiences. Second, there is a higher chance of miscommunication. Third, cases of cultural disparities are another negative outcome worth mentioning. In total, lack of cultural sensitivity will lead to poor treatment, negative cases and upsetting results. In conclusion, this is why healthcare professionals are highly recommended to educate themselves on the matter of cultural sensitivity.
References
Brooks, L. A., Manias, E., & Bloomer, M. J. (2019). Culturally sensitive communication in healthcare: A concept analysis. Collegian, 26, 383-391.
Henderson, S., Horne, M., Hills, R., & Kendall, E. (2018). Cultural competence in healthcare in the community: A concept analysis. Health and Social Care in the Community, 26(4), 590-603.