Patient-Centered Care free essay sample

In a culture as diverse as the United States it is of great importance that individuals in the health care field learn to communicate and understand each patient. We must remember when implementing a communication strategy, that there are many elements that affect the experience: cultural variations, personal dignity, and interpersonal relationships. Gathering knowledge of patient’s beliefs, and values, along with community preferences can be an effective strategy to overcoming diversity and improving communication. It is important to understand not only that people are different but also how to embrace these differences in order to supply individuals with appropriate healthcare. This is a teaching strategy about a couple who thought they were doing the best for their first born child but in return was possibly going to lose them forever. There were decisions that they were going to have to make, whether to continue with the treatment or stop it. We will write a custom essay sample on Patient-Centered Care or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This was not a usual couple though, they were Buddhists and the staff had no idea what the rituals for death and dying were, along with looking different the couple had dread locks, tattoos, and Evidence Based Practice: Patient-centered Care3 multiple piercings but they also were a mother and father who may be losing their baby. As the nurse introduces herself, which is every time we enter the patient’s room, she is determined to find some sort of connection with the mother. Who turned out to be a very distraught mother who was unable to make any important decisions. The nurse realizes the mother is unable to make clear decisions and talks to her supervisor to set up a care conference so they could talk about this baby’s quality of life. There comes the time when you have to say â€Å"goodbye† to a loved one. Could you do it? Or would you want the doctor to do anything and everything possible to save your loved ones life? Each person has his or her own set of values, norms, and beliefs. Individuals share these with others from their own culture; however with the vast number of separate cultures today it is important to understand not only that people are different but also how to embrace these differences in order to supply individuals with appropriate healthcare. There are many ways in which differences and cultures can affect health care services. Different cultures have different beliefs about health, wellness, and healing. This couple wanted to keep their newborn away from all the â€Å"bugs† in the hospital, but that is possibly where his/her life ended. Showing support and respect for different health beliefs creates a better interpersonal relationship between patient and nurse along with the physician. Health care providers should seek and obtain knowledge of their patient’s diverse cultures. In today’s world of diversity, knowledge is a valuable resource. The more the health care providers know the more they will Evidence Based Practice: Patient-centered Care4 understand. When treated with dignity, respect, and genuine concern, a patient along with the entire family is more relaxed and at ease. Evidence Based Practice: Patient-centered Care5 Ironside, P. M. Exploring the Complexity of Advocacy: Balancing Patient-Centered Care and Safety. (n. d. ). Retrieved May 21, 2007, from http://www. qsen. org/teachingstrategy. php? id=58