Respecting Client & Staff Diversity Healthcare Core Curriculum Respecting Client & Staff Diversity Module Description This module provides a framework for dealing with diverse clients/individuals and staff. Belief systems, cultural practices, respect and sensitivity to cultural issues, gender issues and sexuality issues are included. Awareness and use of effective strategies to appropriately deal with client and staff diversity are emphasized. Module Outline and Instructor Resources This module consists of 5 competencies for students to master. These competencies are listed on the following slide and will be addressed throughout the remainder of the power point. Each competency is taught through a series of units which include suggested assignments for students to complete to learn the competency. Feel free to use the assignments or develop your own. Module Outline and Instructor Resources Find these learning activities and resources on the website or create your own. The Course Outline also has documents that the instructor can use in teaching the lesson. These competencies are listed on the following slide and will then be addressed throughout the remainder of the Power Point. Module Competencies Describe one’s personal belief system. 1. Explain the belief systems and practices of diverse cultures. 2. Explore personal responsibility as a healthcare employee to treat each person as an individual (customer service). 3. Discuss the appropriate workplace expectations to interact with team members and care for clients/individuals from diverse cultures, genders, age groups and/or sexual orientations. 4. Using a problem solving process applied to healthcare situations, describe how healthcare employees can respect client and staff diversity. Competency 1 Competency 1 Describe one’s own personal belief system. Units included in this competency are: • Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system. • Explain what is meant by a belief system. • Identify the learner’s personal belief system. • Identify extrinsic factors that may influence personal belief systems. Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Recommended Content From the moment of birth, we begin developing a belief system. We all live our lives under a belief system, but not many of us are aware of our belief system. We tend to take things for granted and may just assume everything will work out for the good. On the following slide, some highlights of a person’s belief system that author R. T. Kelly addresses in the book Cultural and Ethnic Considerations, are noted for background information for you. Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system • A persons’ belief system is heavily influenced by their culture and values passed from generation to generation. • Culture is learned from significant people in one’s life and as a one grows up, one internalizes the values and beliefs of one’s culture. • So…. one’s culture plays a significant role as one is developing a belief system. • It is our beliefs that guide our behaviors, communication, and lifestyle. • Some of the things included in a person’s belief system are one’s religious beliefs, political beliefs and ethical beliefs. • Beliefs guide the choices that a person makes and the how a person lives with those choices. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system The curriculum states that culture is composed of common aspects such as lifestyle, language, tradition, rules, and values. This is all true and yet culture is also what is taught to us and passed down from one generation to the next. The following slides will address the role of language within a culture and lifestyle as it pertains to the family. Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Language One of the most apparent communication variation is language. Language variations might involve no understanding of each other’s language, to situations where one can understand the other’s language, but has limited skills in speaking the language. Although both parties may speak English, there may be different meanings for words in the English language. Communication patterns reflect core cultural values of a society. Some cultures value individualism while others value group harmony. Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Differences in status and position, age, gender and outsider versus insider determine the content and process of communication. For example, among Asian cultures, face-saving communication promotes harmony by indirect communication and avoidance of conflict. In this culture, messages spoken often have little to do with their meanings. Saying “no” to a superior or older adult is not permissible, hence an affirmative response will only mean “I heard you” rather than full agreement. This has important implications in in the healthcare setting because the healthcare provider can be perceived as a person of authority to some Asian, African, or Hispanic clients. Observing a client’s behavior and clarifying messages heard from a trusted insider will prevent misinterpretation. Potter, P.A. and Perry, A.G. (2009). Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Lifestyle within the Family The description of family (types/structure) may vary among cultures: nuclear, extended, single-parent, blended, etc. Some of the family structures are based on biological relationships. Others are based on meeting basic needs of the family by forming a group of unrelated individuals. Potter, P.A. and Perry, A.G. (2009). Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Lifestyle within the Family Intergenerational support and patterns of living arrangements are related to cultural background. For example, traditional Chinese, African-American, Japanese, and Hispanic persons are more likely to live in extended family households than are their white counterparts. A common mistake for healthcare workers is to assume that every family is a traditional nuclear family. It’s more important to know whom the patient depends on for comfort and decisionmaking and how the patient describes family. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Value placed on children and elders within society are culturally derived. In some cultures children are not disciplined by spanking or other forms of physical punishment. Rather, children are allowed to interact with their environment while caregivers provide subtle directions to prevent harm or injury. In other cultures, elders are considered the holders of the culture’s wisdom and therefore are highly respected. Responsibility for care of older relatives is determined by cultural practices. In many cultures, older relative who cannot live independently live with a married son or daughter and family. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Discuss the role of culture in developing a belief system Tips for presenting the material Students may proudly share some their family make-ups. This can be a sensitive issue for some, especially those students who have no family -- perhaps because of growing up in the foster care system or having cut all ties with their family members. Students may also share forms of discipline that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Such conversations can be hard to monitor and hard to keep judgment out of the conversation. Personal Belief System Recommended Content A person’s belief system is comprised of their cultural values. A person does not have control over their gender, race, age or which family they were born into, however, these attributes play a critical part in a person’s belief system. For example, a man may believe that he should get paid more than a woman because he is the head of the household. Another example: The youngest child in the family may have a more lenient curfew because mom and dad have eased up over the years. Their belief system has shifted. One’s belief system does, however, determine one’s political affiliation, religious/spiritual practices, and profession. New World Encyclopedia. (2007) Personal Belief System Cultural Values Values which support the belief and behaviors that are accepted within each culture pertain to: Age Gender Family Religion/spirituality Time orientation Politics Behavior and practices Personal Belief System The 7 cultural values listed on the previous slide all play an important role in a person developing their own belief system. These values influence and guide a person’s behavior and communication. Many of the values are set such as gender, age, traditional practices. One value that is so critical in healthcare and throughout life is timeliness. Time can be culturally learned -- some students understand the value of timeliness and being on time, while others struggle with it daily. Having a better understanding of time within various cultures can help us to better understand our students. Personal Belief System Timeliness among healthcare workers varies and conflicts can arise when a healthcare worker is always late for work. It is important to discuss reasons for this, rather than to assume the person does not care about the job. If it is due to a cultural belief, the health care staff involved needs to develop a strategy to solve the problem. Perception of time (time orientation) can be future-oriented or present-oriented. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Personal Belief System Perception of time (time orientation) can be future-oriented or present-oriented. Many people in the United States are future-oriented; African American, Hispanic, and American Indian tend to be present-oriented. If a pregnant woman is a member of the present-oriented culture, she may miss an appointment because of a current family need. She sees the present need as much more urgent than keeping an appointment related to an event that is several months away. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Personal Belief System The measurement of time can have different meanings in various cultures. The United States and Northern European cultures regard being on time for appointments as a high priority. Expectations that all individuals will follow this pattern. Japanese Americans are generally prompt and adhere to fixed schedules, especially when meeting someone of high regard. Many other cultures may feel that other concerns are more important. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Personal Belief System Some Asians spend time getting to know someone and may view abrupt endings to conversations as rude. Mexican-Americans may be late for an appointment because they are more concerned with a current activity than going to a previously planned meeting. This is known as “elasticity” and implies that future-oriented activities can be recovered but present-orientated activities cannot. When a patient is late for an appointment, fails to come at all, or does not follow a therapeutic schedule, the healthcare worker who does not understand these cultural differences may be angry. Kelly, R.T. (2006). Personal Belief System Value placed on children and elders within society are culturally derived. In some cultures children are not disciplined by spanking or other forms of physical punishment. Rather, children are allowed to interact with their environment while caregivers provide subtle directions to prevent harm or injury. In other cultures, elders are considered the holders of the culture’s wisdom and are highly respected. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System With the continued appearance of American society changing and traditional cultures blending and assimilating with each generation, all cultures bring to the healthcare arena their own views of what needs to happen to remain healthy or seek healthcare. As healthcare educators, it is critical to be aware of the three types beliefs hypothesized by Berman: 1. Magico-Religious health belief view 2. Scientific or biomedical health belief view 3. Holistic health belief view Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System In the Magico-religious health belief view, health and illness are controlled by supernatural forces. The client may believe that illness is the result of “being bad” or opposing God’s will. Getting well is also viewed as dependent on God’s will. The client may use statements such as, “If it is God’s will, I will recover” or “What did I do wrong to be punished with cancer?” Some cultures believe that magic can cause illness or that a sorcerer or witch may put a spell or hex on the client. Some people view illness as possession by an evil spirit. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System Scientific or biomedical health belief is based on the belief that life and life processes are controlled by physical and biochemical processes that can be manipulated by humans. The client with this view will believe that illness is caused by germs, viruses, bacteria, or a breakdown of the human body. The client will expect a pill, or treatment, or surgery. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System Holistic health belief holds that forces of nature must be maintained in balance or harmony. Human life is one aspect that must be in harmony with the rest of nature and when the natural balance or harmony is disturbed, illness results. The North and South America Native Americans use the medicine wheel as an ancient symbol to express many concepts for health and wellness, it teaches four aspects of the individual’s nature: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The four dimensions must be in balance to be healthy. The medicine wheel can also be used to express the individual’s relationship with the environment as dimension of wellness. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System Examples of the holistic health belief view include: the concept of yin and yang in Chinese culture and the hot-cold theory of illness in many Spanish cultures. In the hot-cold theory, people believe that certain conditions are “cold,” such as a new mother who delivered a baby. To treat the new mother, warm or hot foods and a blanket are provided. Many cultures believe that the best way to treat a fever is increase an elimination of toxins through sweat baths. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Personal Belief System Remember that the 3 various health belief views provides the educator a brief understanding of the where our students are coming from and who our students will be caring for: 1. Magico-Religious health belief view 2. Scientific or biomedical health belief view 3. Holistic health belief view Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. Recommended Content The curriculum addresses the issue of identifying extrinsic factors and how these factors shape a person’s belief system. The following slides will be discussed: • Culture shock • Assimilation • Acculturation As America continues to be a melting pot for many different cultures and as our classrooms represent that melting pot, it is important to address culture shock, talk about what it really is, and how our own cultural shock and that of our patients can influence the therapeutic process. Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. What is culture shock? Culture shock is a disorder that occurs in response to transition from one cultural setting to another so a person’s previous behavior patterns are ineffective in such a setting, and basic cues for social behavior are absent. Expressions of culture shock may range from confusion and anxiety to silence and immobility, to agitation, rage or fury. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. Culture shock is used to describe the anxiety and nervousness that occurs when a person leaves some place that is comfortable and familiar. Many changes occur and the person needs to adapt to those changes. Even though the changes can be full of excitement, it can still be overwhelming. The important thing to remember is that culture shock is temporary. Juliar, K. (2003); Nemours Foundation. (1995-2011). Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. Everyone entering into a new culture will adjust to it differently. For some people, it may mean they are/were excited about their new move. Others may have been forced to move, making the adjustment that much more difficult. Even though everyone experiences culture shock in a different way, the most common feelings are: • Not wanting to be around people who are different • Loneliness • Anxiety • Sadness • Feeling left out • Extreme homesickness Nemours Foundation. (1995-2011). Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. The involuntary process of acculturation occurs when people adapt to or borrow traits from another culture. The members from the non-dominant cultural group is often forced to learn the new culture to survive. Acculturation can also be defined as the changes of one’ cultural patterns to those of the host society. While becoming participants in the dominant culture, members of the non-dominant cultural group are always identified as members of the culture from which they originated. People immigrating to the United States from any country will be associated with their native countries for many years, if not all their lives. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Extrinsic factors that influence personal belief systems. Assimilation: the process by which an individual develops a new cultural identity. Assimilation means becoming like the members of the dominant culture. Assimilation can be described as a collection of sub-processes: a process of inclusion through which a person gradually ceases to conform to any standard of life that differs from the dominant group standards and at the same time, a process through which the person learns to conform to all of the dominant cultural group. The process of assimilation is when the foreigner is fully merged into the dominant cultural group. Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008). Competency 1: Personal Belief System Recommended Learning Activities Assignment Location Notes Review Vocabulary List On Website and in Module Outline and Instructor Resources Document Review Vocabulary List with students Examples of Cultural Misunderstandings in Healthcare On Website and in Module Outline and Instructor Resources Document Discuss in Class RCS Competency 1: Self Assessment: Assignment on website This assignment allows students to assess their cultural competency and reflect on their subcultures. RCS Competency 1: Cultural Diversity Journal Assignment on website Students journal on personal beliefs and values. RCS Competency 1: Family and Cultural Influences: Assignment on website Students reflect on their parents values and culture and how they relate to those. Competency 2 Competency 2 Explain the belief systems and practices of diverse cultures. • List cultures found within a healthcare setting. • Describe the belief systems (cultural values, behavior practices, communication patterns, and methods of perceiving, judging, and organizing daily life) of ethnic cultures and subcultures. • Describe the “-isms.” • Describe the belief systems pertaining to age. Belief System of Various Cultures Recommended Content During this part of the curriculum of Respecting Client and Staff Diversity, students will be exploring and discussing belief systems of various cultures. The curriculum asks the instructor to address 3 of the following cultures with the students. However, cultures do not need to be limited to this list: • African American • Native American • Asian • Hispanic • Latino • Caucasian Belief System of Various Cultures The following 3 slides will briefly introduce the instructor to 3 different cultures: • African American • Asian • Hispanic Tips for presenting the materials These slides provide a taste of each culture and yet in class, discussions provide for lively debates. Remind students to be respectful and share from their own experiences. Each experience is valid and unique, as some of us are recent immigrants, and some are several generations removed. Some of us have several ethnic experiences from different sides of the family to draw from. Belief System of Various Cultures African Americans tend to be focused more on people rather than on objects, making family bonding a primary core value. Within in the African American culture, children are the center of the family and family extends beyond mom, dad and the children. Family includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc. African Americans have a deep sense of spirituality. Christianity and Islam are 2 of the primary religions along with a host of others. Men and women within the African American culture tend to have equal relationships. Culture Diversity Organization. (1997-2008). Belief System of Various Cultures Religion is valued greatly within the Asian culture. The primary religions of the culture are Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Other values of the Asian people are: “group orientation (collectivity); family cohesion and responsibility; self-control and personal discipline; emphasis on educational achievement; respect for authority; reverence for the elderly (filial piety); the use of shame for behavioral control; and interdependence of families and individuals.” Juliar, K. (2003). Belief System of Various Cultures The Hispanic culture like many others, value family as the most important social unit. In most Hispanic families, the father is the head of the household and the mother cares for the home. The Catholic religion is the primary religion for more than 90% of the Spanish-speaking world. Elders hold a high place within the family structure and are often consulted for advice. When someone is ill within the Hispanic culture, they expect to be taken well care of. The Hispanic people tend to live in the present and as a result do not typically seek preventive health care. Juliar, K. (2003). Describe the “-isms” Recommended Content Students live with –isms everyday and yet may not understand the meaning behind them. An -ism is a suffix, or something placed at the end of a word. An -ism can be defined as a “theory, a system or a practice” or “an action, a characteristic or a behavior.” Words that end in -ism may portray an “attitude of prejudice against a certain group.” The –ism suffix tends to be an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief. Describe the“-isms” Classism is prejudice, discrimination, mistreatment, neglect of or lack of respect for any human and their rational needs (food, clothing, shelter, education, respect communication, etc.) based on people’s socioeconomic class. Criteria for measuring class is usually education, income, occupation and wealth. Classism is extremely complex. It involves economic exploitation, beliefs, attitudes and prejudices, terrorization, violence, invalidation, etc. Classism is the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others. Freire,P. (n.d.). Describe the“-isms” Racism is a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Racism is a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Racism is a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination. Describe the“-isms” Ageism is prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group, especially the elderly. Ageism may also apply to young adults or children Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex, usually against women. Sexism may also be defined as behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex Describe the“-isms” Recommended Learning Activities Assignment Topic Resources Notes Ageism YouTube video “When Do You Think Someone is Old” Assignment on website can be used as a class discussion. Class Discussion Ableism Movie: “My Left Foot” Racism A Class Divided RCS Competency 3 Movie a Class Divided: Students watch the movie and answer reflected questions. Describe the belief systems pertaining to gender Recommended Content There are more males entering the previously predominant female occupations of nursing and healthcare. This brings another subculture and possibilities for stereotyping, biases, and prejudices. Even though women and men are more similar than different, some communication patterns are identifiably different. The key to working effectively with the opposite gender is to recognize communication differences and realize enormous contributions each style brings to the workplace. While men can be more direct and get right to the point, women often bring valuable interpersonal skills to the workplace. Both men and women are effective problem-solvers. Men usually think of one thing at a time and women tend to consider several things at once. Juliar, K. (2003). Describe the belief systems pertaining to age Recommended Content In healthcare, it is important to have some understanding of what different eras were like so that we can better understand our patients/clients. Many of our students fall into the Generation Y category and are unaware of various eras and/or characteristics of them. It is critical for students to have a brief understanding of the various eras because someday they will be caring for patients/clients whose ages span over several decades and generational thinking. Describe the belief systems pertaining to age World War II Era People born during this era valued very highly the work that they did. Men went off to their jobs and the women stayed home to raise the children. During this time, people had a great respect for leadership. They also had a strong work ethic. A man would tend to “give his life” for the company where he worked. That same man had a drive to reach the top of the corporate ladder, no matter what the cost. As men climbed the corporate ladder, their respect for leadership was constant. Bosenberg. M.(2011, March 2). Describe the belief systems pertaining to age Baby Boomer Era In the work world, the Baby Boomers favor a team approach, however they are driven to be the star of the team. The Boomers are impressed with authority, but tend to have friendly relationships with their bosses. As Boomers grew into young adulthood, a strong emphasis on personal development came to life. Bosenberg. M.(2011, March 2). Describe the belief systems pertaining to age The 51 million members of Generation X were born between 1965 and 1976. Divorce and working moms created "latchkey" kids out of many in this generation. As a result, Gen Xers grew up with independence, resilience and adaptability. Generation X feels strongly that "I don't need someone looking over my shoulder.” At the same time, this generation expects immediate and ongoing feedback, and is equally comfortable giving feedback to others. Other traits include working well in multicultural settings, desire for fun in the workplace and a realistic approach to getting things done. Thielfoldt, D. and Scheef, D. (2004, August). Describe the belief systems pertaining to age Generation Y make up for 70 million of the world’s population and were born in the mid1980's and later. They are tech-savvy, family-centric and achievement-oriented. Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cell phones and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations. Kane, S. (n.d.). Competency 2: Belief System and Practices of Diverse Cultures Recommended Learning Activities Assignment Resources Notes RCS Competency 2-3 Cultural Interaction Interview Assignment on website Students interview two persons from another culture and reflect on the experience. References Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Kozier, B., and Erb, G. (2008).Culture and heritage. In A. Berman, S.J. Snyder, B. Kozier, and G. Erb (Eds.). Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of nursing: Concepts, process, and practice (8th ed.) (pp. 311-329). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Bosenberg. M.(2011, March 2). The Population Baby Boom of 1946-1964 in the United States Retrieved from http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/babyboom.htm Culture Diversity Organization. (1997-2008).Transcultural nursing: Basic concepts and case studies. Retrieved from http://www.culturediversity.org/index.html Eagle Feather Research Institute http://eaglefeather.org/pages/about.php References Freire,P. (n.d.). The Politics of Education. Retrieved from http://renew.education.ucsb.edu/downloads/overheads_handouts/class.pdf Juliar, K. (2003). Minnesota Healthcare Core Curriculum (2nd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Publishers Kane, S. (n.d.). Generation Y. Retrieved from http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationY.htm Kelly, R.T. (2006). Cultural and ethnic considerations. In B.L. Christensen and E. O. Kockrow (Eds.). Foundations and adult health nursing (5th ed.) (pp. 124-148). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby References Nemours Foundation. (1995-2011). Culture shock. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/culture_shock.html# New World Encyclopedia. (2007). Culture. Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Culture Potter, P.A. and Perry, A.G. (2009). Culture and ethnicity. In P.A. Potter and A.G. Perry (Eds.). Fundamentals of nursing (7th ed.) (pp. 106-120). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby Thielfoldt, D. and Scheef, D. (2004, August). Generation X and the millennial: What you need to know about mentoring the new generations. Retrieved from http://apps.americanbar.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mgt08044.html Author: Dede Carr, BS, CDA, LDA; Pat Reinhart, RN “This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.” This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 60