Reply to this student’s discussion with 250-275 words, APA format, 2 scholarly sources

Importance of culture in health sciences

Culture consists of a body of knowledge involving various components such as customs, ethnicity, religion, ethnicity, social groups and gender roles among others (Kreuter & McClure, 2004). Respect for culture is paramount in minimizing health disparity and accessibility to quality care (Purnell, 2005). When established and implemented accordingly, cultural recognition facilitates accessibility to information related to healthcare. Therefore, health officials must determine the cultural affiliations of patients and offer adequate and affordable care (Kreuter & McClure, 2004). By knowing the background of every patient, the more quality of care can be given and the level of trust can be established. 

Effects for not considering culture

The importance of culture cannot be assumed in the healthcare sector. Patients require health services, especially those with chronic illnesses. When culturally competent care is not provided for such patients, they may be dissatisfied with the health care system. In turn, this may affect the responsibility of healthcare facilities to provide quality care (Kreuter & McClure, 2004). Lower relationships between doctors and patients are also attributed to lower respect for culture. Generally, the overall objectives of healthcare can be negatively impacted with less consideration of culture. For better result, understanding the importance of culture and having the knowledge to communicate with the patient can bring more of a positive effect both ways. The most important thing for this to be effective is continuing education, and having health care professionals be involved with their patient and explaining everything in layman terms to minimize confusion. Overall, culture is important in health science for awareness and to better patient to provider relationship.

References:

Kreuter, M. W., & McClure, S. M. (2004). The role of culture in health communication. Annu. Rev. Public Health, 25, 439-455.

Purnell, L. (2005). The Purnell model for cultural competence [Electronic version]. Journal of Multicultural Nursing & Health, 11(2), 7-15.