Here to be seen: ten practical lessons in cultural consciousness in primary health care.
Providing health care for culturally diverse individuals and members of underserved groups can be challenging but also rewarding if a few simple yet important lessons are followed. Taking time to get to know patients; using preferred names; looking at patients' photographs; learning patients' languages; showing respect; being open to messages in the media; listening to patients' stories; prescribing culturally appropriate and practical regimens; and remaining aware of the interrelationship of culture, illness, and health care are steps toward cultural consciousness and competence in primary care. This article is based on a keynote address at the 11th Annual Primary Care for the Underserved Conference held May 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Masson
Veneta
V
Community Medical Care, Washington, DC, USA. masson@erols.com
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017664:Uncompensated Care / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000208:ethnology