Cultural sensitivity is increasingly gaining importance, especially in the rapidly globalizing world. Across all aspects and indulgences of human life, sensitivity in different cultural settings and diversity enhances coordination and cooperation thereby ultimately resulting in growth and development. This is true even for the health care industry. Doctors and health care providers have a duty of care to their patients including both physical and emotional care. Given the inherent connection between cultural values and individual ideals and customs with which people significantly invest emotionally, cultural sensitivity among nurses and other caregivers in diverse populations is essential for the recovery and well-being of patients.
Cultural sensitive patient care exhibits patient-desired behaviors and attitudes from health care practitioners, alongside physical care environment characteristics that identify as indicators of cultural respects among a culturally diverse population. It conceptualizes the patient-nurse relationship as a patient-centered partnership that advocates for patient empowerment thereby developing a culturally sensitive environment that ensures all patients feel comfortable despite cultural differences. The uniqueness of this type of care is that is based on the views of culturally diverse patients regarding the policies characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes that convey cultural sensitivity and not health care professionals
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Mastering cultural-sensitive care involves the development of effective communication channels and strategies between caregivers and patients. Brooks, Manias, and Bloomer (2019) advance three culturally sensitive communication strategies that health care providers including nurses can adopt for optimal patient care. These include first understanding one's own culture to build a basis for cultural empathy, engaging in open and sensitive interaction regarding different cultural aspects with the individual patients, and developing collaborative strategies with the patient and their family. In the same process, an understanding and trusting relationship are developed which enhances the comfort of the patient in care.
Reference
Brooks, L., Manias, E., & Bloomer, M. (2019). Culturally sensitive communication in healthcare: A concept analysis. Collegian , 26 (3), 383-391. doi: 10.1016/j.colegn.2018.09.007
