As of the most recent census in 2021, 81.7% of residents in England and Wales identified their ethnicity as “White”, which is a decrease from 86% recorded in the census in 2011 (ONS, 2022). This shows that England and Wales are becoming increasingly culturally diverse annually, which leads to a requirement for cultural sensitivity for all cultures. There is further necessity for this cultural sensitivity within healthcare due to the range of beliefs that people have surrounding medical practices and the restrictions that they face due to differences in beliefs than other patients. This blog will highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the necessary approach in order to meet the needs, and respect the choices of people of all cultures within healthcare.
Whilst it is understandably impossible for healthcare workers to be conversational with full knowledge with people of all cultures (Ayonride, 2012), there is a level of respect required to understand the needs of individuals from a multitude of cultures. For example, people of different beliefs may choose not to undergo certain medical procedures. One of these groups that would chose not to partake in a certain medical procedure would be Jehova’s Witnesses, who would choose not to receive blood transfusions based on their beleifs (Pavlikova & van Dijk, 2021). Furthermore, within the healthcare space, steps need to be made in order to ensure even the basics within hospitals and other healthcare environments are to a standard that suits all cultures. An example of this is respecting the period of Ramadan, where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, but may need aid or advice from healthcare professionals about their ability to fast due to potential health problems that coincide with fasting, particularly those with diabetes (Attum et al, 2023).
These individuals may also require support in changing the times of their medication based on their fasting. Whilst these examples of acknowledging and supporting those with these cultural needs within healthcare is essential to providing the service that is required, there are also elements of basic respect and approach which supports those that require treatment. In reference to the requirements for Muslims during Ramadan, although it is essential to speak to patients with knowledge and respect, when looking into cultural sensitivity, creating an environment which feels comfortable is just as important. Hence making it so that Muslims are not constantly faced by food whilst they’re fasting, as well as being able to offer an appropriate food and drink when it is time to break their fast. This shows how both when directly treating patients, as well as when just in a healthcare environment, it is essential to approach different cultures with an element of respect, and attain as much knowledge as possible when it comes to needs within a healthcare environment.
This blog post shows that there is a range of needs from different cultures within healthcare, which is far wider than the examples listed in this research, highlighting the large importance of cultural sensitivity. Students at medical school should be supported in developing their cultural exposure, understanding and competency, as well as being provided with a safe learning environment to discuss their thoughts and feelings.
References
Attum, B., Hafiz, S., Malik, A., Shamoon, A (2023) Cultural Competence in the Care of Muslim Patients and their Families. Statpearls. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499933/ (Accessed 20 November 2024)
Ayonride, O (2012) Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Therapeutic Transactions: Considerations for Healthcare Providers. Disease Management & Health Outcomes. pp 233-248
ONS (2022) Ethnic group, England and Wales: Census 2021. ONS. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/culturalidentity/ethnicity/bulletins/ethnicgroupenglandandwales/census2021 (Accessed 20 November 2024)
Pavlikova, B., van Dijk, Jitse (2021) Jehova’s Witnesses and Their Compliance with Regulations on Smoking and Blood Treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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