Cultural sensitive care is a vital component of healthcare delivery today. Understanding the beliefs of people in relation to health matters ensures that the needs of patients are handled and patients are satisfied.
This paper explores the health beliefs of the people of the Baltic and the Brazilian heritage and identifies their similarities. It also offers ways to influence evidence-based care among these cultures.
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The Baltic countries refer to three countries that include Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Both Slavs and non-Slavic people inhabit these countries and while both countries are categorized together, they are different from each other both linguistically and culturally. For example, Latvia and Lithuania share similar languages, even though those languages are not equally clear. Estonia derives its language from the Finno-Ugric language group. Both countries maintain their traditional folk cultures and share a similar religion (Purnell, 2013).
Healthcare in the Baltic heritage is anchored on the family (Põlluste et al. 2013) and patients prefer to converse in their native languages (Purnell, 2013). Healthcare decisions are made jointly by both couples in the family. People of Baltic heritage can maintain their sense of independence and readily and assume responsibility for making healthcare decisions even though those accustomed to living under the Soviet rule lack this feature and may require assistance (Purnell, 2013). They also avoid direct confrontation with authoritative figures and prefer to handle challenging issues with humor (Purnell, 2013). They also prefer natural processes like natural childbirth and breastfeeding. Prayer is regarded as an individual expression of faith. They have a strong religious faith and needs. Patients gain significant comfort after speaking with the clergy, especially if they have a serious illness (Purnell, 2013).
The Brazilian health culture highlights family values (Little, 2012). Family involvement in primary care is vital as when patients are hospitalized their families accompany them and stay close to them (Purnell, 2013). Besides, people of Brazilian decent have an eagerness to engage in patient care, which means that healthcare officials must educate them on different methods and care behaviors (Little, 2012). They are also religious and find relief in their faith when facing difficult situations. Brazilians also like natural practices like folk medicines and remedies and thus healthcare officials must inquire about their use (Purnell, 2013). Brazilians also have a more encompassing and holistic view of healthcare, which strengthens the inclusion of the whole family in healthcare matters (Little, 2012).
Both Brazilian and Baltic cultures value religion, especially when undergoing a serious illness. Involvement of family members in health matters is also vital for both cultures. They also value natural healthcare methods like natural healing remedies and natural childbearing practices. Both cultures also emphasize family values. Based on these similarities, I can influence evidence-based care by allowing patients to pray at the bedside before applying the latest medical management. I can also influence evidence-based healthcare by allowing patients to discuss treatment options with their family and clergy before making treatment decisions. It is also vital to demonstrate respect for the religious beliefs of patients from these cultures while offering evidenced-based treatment. Cultural issues in relation to natural remedies can be handled by demonstrating support for patients and involving other healthcare providers like social workers from their culture when administering evidence-based care.
References
Little, L. (2012). Lauren Little Department of Anthropology, University at ... Retrieved March 21, 2018, from http://curca.buffalo.edu/students/pdfs/2012_posters/LittleLauren.pdf
Põlluste, K., Kasiulevičius, V., Veide, S., Kringos, D. S., Boerma, W., & Lember, M. (2013). Primary care in Baltic countries: a comparison of progress and present systems. Health policy , 109 (2), 122-130.
Purnell, L. D. (2013). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach . Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
