『Caring for patients from different cultures. 4thed』

著者情報等 Geri-Ann Galanti. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008.
寄稿者名准教授　Herrera C. Lourdes R（2014年4月）
本学所蔵なし
　　　　What I first learned from this book is that cultural competence begins with interest in your own culture. Understanding of one’s own culture, values and beliefs is essential to learn about other cultures, to appreciate the differences and to respect them.
　　　　Geri-Ann Galanti, a medical anthropologist, uses plain language to describe cultural concepts, making the book easy to follow. She has selected more than 200 short case studies -taken from the experiences of health care providers and patient/clients from diverse ethnicities- to illustrate and analyze cultural conflict in health care institutions, how health care professional responded to them and what lessons can be learned from each experience.
　　　　The first chapters of the book refer to gender differences, religion and spirituality, family, pain, hierarchy, etc., general issues towards which we have different attitudes depending on our ethnic backgrounds. I found the second chapter personally enriching because it addresses miscommunication between health care providers and patients/clients of different cultural backgrounds. Even when we communicate in the same language, the use of idioms, medical jargon or jokes create opportunities for misunderstanding. Idioms commonly used in Australia may make no sense in the United States and simple phrases such as “getting cold feet” or “kick the bucket” can be confusing for someone who speaks English as a second language.
　　　　Birth, end of life and mental health are described each in one chapter. These topics are deeply related to culture and ethnicity and I would highly recommend for you to read these chapters.
　　　　Cultural differences may create misunderstandings in daily life. When cultural differences are not understood in the health care process, they definitely affect the interaction between health care providers and patients/clients; consequently, they prevent health care providers from delivering the best care possible and patients from receiving quality care.
　　　　The desire to learn about other people’s beliefs and values is the first step to show that we are willing to respect them and that we will apply our knowledge of their culture to support recovery, to prevent disease and to promote health.