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Essay / Health and Culture Essay - 1352
Culture may include, but is not limited to, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, tribal affiliations, nationalities, socioeconomic status, age , gender, sexual orientation and disability. While competence implies efficient functioning. This report will expand on culturally competent care, recognizing the importance of culture, expanding cultural knowledge, and adapting services to meet culturally unique needs. When examining the description of the relevance and relationship between culture/ethnicity, socio-economic status and culture competenceWhen considering health, it is essential to identify the relevance and relationships between culture, competence cultural and socioeconomic status, as well as how they can affect an individual in obtaining appropriate health care. There are many cultures that share different beliefs when it comes to treatment and health education. comparison with common Western society. These attitudes toward medical care are very significant because “a lack of attention to cultural issues affects health care and its outcomes” (). Cultural competence is imperative as a healthcare professional. It's about moving beyond sensitivity towards a patient's cultural beliefs, and therefore arriving at appropriate health strategies that will eliminate barriers between you and the patient. Effective treatment can be achieved by demonstrating a certain degree of tolerance and understanding of family culture and beliefs. While also being willing to continually educate oneself about the diverse moral values and viewpoints of others. Socioeconomic status is also an important factor in health, as the lower the socioeconomic status, the more likely the individual is to participate in unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles. Many ethnic groups assimilate information among themselves and strive to encourage cultural education. Ensure that all programs within the healthcare profession encourage and promote cultural competence and ensure availability and access to all services. Being patient-centered in your chosen healthcare profession is essential to ensuring that your patient receives the best care possible. Improving the quality of health care for individuals is what all professionals should strive for, and training in cultural competence is a sure way to improve individual and population health outcomes. Being culturally competent goes beyond being open-minded and understanding. It’s about continually educating yourself and those around you. It is about promoting patient-centered care and addressing the specific needs of cultures and disadvantaged groups, thereby meeting the needs and goals of patients.