Clients will experience better service outcomes using culturally sensitive communication and listening skills when including families involved in healthcare needs, management, and services.

Review the case study:

Mr. Rosales, a 63-year-old, first-generation Cuban immigrant who is identified as Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is on the critical care ward, where he is receiving oxygen after suffering a stroke. His daughter, Carmen, and her husband, Carlos, are with him. Although his daughter speaks Cuban, she is not confident in her ability to interpret medical jargon, treatment options, and/or service options to her father. Mr. Rosales has spoken with his daughter about his spiritual beliefs and his views on life and death. Carmen wants her fathers recovery to take into consideration his cultural beliefs and personal hygiene habits.

In attendance are Dr. Lee Chen (his primary heart physician), Lucinda Johnson (nurse practitioner), Max Tribiani (his RN), and a professional Cuban/Spanish interpreter (Alphonso Martinez). All clinical staff, including the interpreter, have gone through training related to cultural competence and diversity. Mr. Rosales and his daughter were allowed to express and discuss future needs and any ongoing concerns.

• Define the two (2) benefits of having culturally sensitive communication and culturally competent professionals in healthcare situations.
• Write a brief script with four questions, statements, or concerns that Mr. Rosales, his daughter, and/or her husband may want to ask/tell the clinical staff via the translator to ensure the best culturally appropriate care and services for Mr. Rosales.
  • Consider the following culturally competent issues when writing your questions.
    • Cultural beliefs (i.e., having a conversation about death or dying wishes)
    • Spiritual beliefs or religious views
    • Dietary needs
    • Hygiene considerations (such as modesty and the gender of an assistant helping him change clothes or bathe)

Example: Carmen: My dad insists on reading a couple of Bible scriptures before going to bed, can I leave this for him?

As you are completing this discussion, you might find the information available at the following weblinks useful:

Cubans in the United States

Hispanics of Cuban origin in the United States, 2013

Cultural Insights: Communicating with Hispanics/Latinos

References:

Center for Health Care Strategies. (n.d.). Health literacy and the role of culture - Fact sheet #3. http://www.chcs.org/media/Health_Literacy_Role_of_Culture.pdf

Kohli, H. K., Huber, R., and Faul, A. C. (2010). Historical and theoretical development of culturally competent social work practice. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 30(3), 252-271. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08841233.2010.499091