PHAR 518 Cultural Considerations

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PHAR 518 Cultural Considerations

• Marian Newton, RN, PHD
• SU Professor Nursing Adjunct Pharmacy

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Objectives

• List common ways to address cultural needs of
  patients in your pharmacy
• Define cultural competence

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Cultural Diversity

• Cultures (ethnicity) patterned and shared
  values, beliefs, attitudes and social, political,
  economic and educational behaviors
• Cultural competence knowledge base and
  interpersonal skills that allow health care
  providers to understand, appreciate and work
  effectively with individuals from cultures that
  differ from their own

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Common Culture Factors

• Communication
• Space
• Social organization
• Time
• Environmental control
• Biologic variations

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Cultural Assessment

• Language and communication style
• Religious beliefs, needs and practices
• Healing beliefs and practices
• Food practices
• Cultural identity and practices

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Cultural Assessment

• Illness-wellness behaviors
• Nutritional needs
• Role of Family

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Pharmacist Barriers

• Not speaking the language
• Not understanding the culture or willing to
  modify health care to background
• Stereotyping apply positive or negative labels
  to a group

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Pharmacist Interventions

• Awareness acceptance cultures different from
  yours
• Learn about cultures (classes, expand circle of
  friends, involve in cultural centers and events)
• Ask questions and pay attention
• Keep open mind, do not stereotype

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Pharmacist Interventions

• Carry a pocket translator
• Auxiliary labels
• Markings on measuring
• devices
• Learn common phrases
• Make person from another culture comfortable in
  your pharmacy

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Communication Techniques

• Non-verbal cautious use of hand gestures, eye
  contact
• and touch
• Verbal show patience, avoid slang, speak slowly
  not loudly

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Reference

• www.UPHS.UPenn.edu?pastoral/tradition.html
• Steverner M. Spirituality and health care
  Internet resources. Medical reference services
  quarterly vol 32 (Summer, 2004). pp 57-71.