Title: (Optional) Examine concepts of care relating to ethnic, religious, cultural, and personal preferences.
Course: Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences (14001-II) > Section: Understanding Patient Care

Examination should include

- dietary restrictions
- beliefs and practices
- attitudes toward eye contact, gestures, personal space, and physical contact
- language barriers
- attitudes toward physical contact
- gender preferences of caregivers
- attitudes regarding death and disability
- bias, prejudice, and stereotyping.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to understand culture differences as they affect patient care? What is cultural bias?
- What is stereotyping?
- How does a healthcare professional become culturally competent?
- How do different cultures perceive health and illness?
- How does nonverbal communication differ among cultures? Why is this an important concept for healthcare workers to understand?
- Why is it important for the patient to receive information and directions in his or her native language?
- How can healthcare workers assist with special dietary requirements of different cultural groups?
- What interventions are suggested by the Institute of Medicine on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care?
- What social or cultural considerations must be addressed for effective HIV prevention interventions in the United States?