Riverbend City: Cultural Competence, Coursework Example

The Riverbend City simulation offers an examination of the weaknesses associated with cultural competence and how individuals may not recognize the differences between cultures and the experiences that have been endured. This simulation introduces a number of challenges to the relations between individuals in situations where different cultures are represented and are not well understood. With the simulation, it was evident that there was a lack of understanding regarding the needs of the patients and why they responded to the situation in a specific manner. Since the communication between the different parties is limited due to language barriers, it is difficult to understand the frustration of those affected by the crisis. Furthermore, physical observations made regarding a patient were misunderstood because the customs of the Hmong culture were not recognized (Riverbend City). Furthermore, the situation was sensitive due to the general lack of understanding regarding the Hmong culture and the practices that they routinely conduct, many of which are unfamiliar traditions to Western cultures (Riverbend City). These factors played a significant role in how the circumstances were handled and what steps were required to address the health status of the Hmong patients without further advancing their already difficult circumstances (Riverbend City).

It is evident that in the Riverbend City simulation, staff members were not sufficiently prepared to with a culture with which they had no level of familiarity; therefore, this led to difficulties that could have otherwise been avoided. The success of healthcare practice is contingent upon the development of factors that contribute to healthcare improvements and the creation of opportunities to advance patient health and wellbeing, using knowledge and resources in positive ways (Almutairi & Rondney, 2013). In this context, therefore, it is important to demonstrate that patients are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, particularly when they require healthcare services of different levels in order to improve their overall health status (Almutairi & Rondney, 2013). When communication is poor or is limited by language barriers, there is a greater likelihood of a lack of awareness and understanding of cultural norms and expectations (Giddens et.al, 2012). These practices require greater clarity and awareness of the different needs and expectations of an organization and the challenges that they face as they aim to be proactive in meeting patient needs as best as possible (Giddens et.al, 2012). Therefore, training and education regarding cultural norms that are different from others must be addressed in a comprehensive fashion in order to prevent further complications (Giddens et.al, 2012).

Conceptualizing different aspects of health and wellbeing requires a greater understanding of the different elements that impact patients; therefore, this practice requires healthcare providers to recognize that their norms may not be the same norms that others follow (Mauer & Smith, 2012). In this context, it is likely that there will be significant issues that may be clarified if training and education regarding different cultural norms is provided (Mauer & Smith, 2012). These factors support the development of educational tools that might alleviate some of the miscommunication and misunderstandings that often occur when treating patients of cultures that are poorly understood (Mauer & Smith, 2012). However, it is also important to consider how cultural customs must be clearly understood because they may have a definitive meaning to a given culture that may not be acceptable or appropriate in another culture (Mauer & Smith, 2012). It is likely that education and a greater awareness of different cultures would bridge some of the knowledge gaps that impact how patients receive care and treatment, particularly if healthcare providers are unfamiliar with a patient’s culture and may treat him or her differently without knowing the reason behind these differences and why specific behaviors or rituals are conducted within a given culture and how they impact patient care (Mauer & Smith, 2012).

Based upon the events that have taken place, it is likely that the circumstances will leave many unanswered questions that require further evaluation from the team upon future reflection. The many misunderstandings that resulted from the interactions between healthcare providers and patients, along with other factors, played a significant role in shaping how the circumstances took place and how communication breakdowns occurred between the parties. This is an important reminder that there are significant issues to consider with respect to the treatment of patients from different cultures, particularly as they require expert knowledge and guidance in order to accomplish their treatments effectively. In this case, poor and miscommunication was a significant failure, one that led to other challenges that impacted the affected patients in a negative manner. Most importantly, organizations must be prepared to manage the needs of specific cultures and to recognize how to treat all patients with dignity and respect at all times.

It is important for healthcare providers to receive education and training regarding cultural differences in order to be more fully aware of the issues that must be addressed in this manner. For this group of professionals, it is necessary to provide additional guidance regarding cultural competence because they lack some of the skills required to treat patients effectively. This is an important reminder of the need to continuously educate healthcare providers regarding cultural diversity and competence so that all patients receive equal treatment, regardless of their values and beliefs. All patients deserve a chance to obtain the highest possible quality care and treatment, even when other factors may contribute to the weaknesses in healthcare practice that were presented in this case and that support the need for additional training and guidance in this area.

References

Almutairi, A.F., & Rondney, P. (2013). Critical cultural competence for culturally diverse workforces: toward equitable and peaceful health care. Advances in Nursing Science, 36(3), 200-212.

Giddens, J.F., North, S., Carlson-Sabelli, L., Rogers, E., & Fogg, L. (2012). Using a virtual  community to enhance cultural awareness. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 23(2), 198-204.

Maurer, F.A., & Smith, C.M. (2012). Community/Public Health Nursing Practice: Health for Families and Populations. Saunders. Riverbend City: Cultural Competence Mission. Pp. 1-12.