False cultural assumptions: a bar to effective communication
Article Abstract:
Making assumptions about cultural and religious matters when caring for a patient from an ethnic minority may have a detrimental affect on the patient's treatment and subsequent return to health. A 50 year old Muslim patient was automatically assumed to not wish the presence of a female during examinations, while his quiet agreement with suggestions and medical treatment was really deference to medical staff, rather than the assumed understanding and compliance with treatment. It is important for medical staff to take both cultural and religious wishes into consideration but not at the expense of medical care.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1999
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Article Abstract:
The primary health-care team in Britain's community care system does not know enough about people with Down's syndrome to provide good quality care. Mental and physical problems typically found in the condition are not being adequately diagnosed and treated by the medical services. Leaning disability professionals should work alongside the primary health-care team to ensure that psychiatric problems are monitored and that the quality of life is maintained.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1996
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