Prepare 3 recommendations to provide culturally competent care for a clinic that deals with Amish or Roma American clients.
Part B: Describe how Arab American clients might view American health practices differently from other patients.
Amish/Roma Americans & Arab American Clients
Facilitate Privacy, Modesty, and Family Involvement:
Amish: Be sensitive to their cultural preference for modesty, especially for women. When possible, offer private, non-shared rooms and ensure the client is kept covered during examinations. Recognize the importance of the family in decision-making and ensure discharges are scheduled with enough forewarning for them to arrange transportation (often a horse and buggy).
Roma Americans: Understand that the immediate and extended family is typically highly involved in healthcare decisions. Allow for the presence of multiple family members during consultations. Be aware of the cultural preference to keep certain serious or terminal diagnoses from the patient to prevent emotional suffering.
Build Trust through Personal and Community Engagement:
Amish & Roma Americans: Initiate visits with a period of "chit-chat" about non-medical topics (like the weather or local events) to establish a personal, trusting relationship before immediately discussing clinical issues. This helps to overcome potential suspicion of "outsiders" and the highly institutionalized nature of Western medicine. For the Amish, consider locating clinics or offering services in accessible community locations, and use clear, respectful language without excessive jargon.
Part B: Arab American Views on American Health Practices
Arab American clients, like all diverse populations, have varied views, but certain cultural and religious factors can lead to differences in how they interact with and perceive American healthcare practices:
| Aspect of U.S. Healthcare | Arab American Cultural View/Barrier |
|---|---|
| Individual Autonomy and Decision-Making | Healthcare decisions are often family-centric rather than individual-centric. The patriarchal structure means the father or eldest male may speak for the family, and the patient may not be used to being asked to make complex choices independently. |
Sample Answer
Culturally Competent Care Recommendations
Part A: Recommendations for Amish or Roma American Clients
Providing culturally competent care for Amish or Roma American clients requires respect for their community structures, privacy, and traditional health beliefs.
Here are three recommendations:
Acknowledge and Respect Traditional Healing:
Amish: Recognize and allow for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), folk remedies, and spiritual practices in conjunction with professional care. Do not aggressively challenge the family's existing beliefs or home practices. Frame modern treatments as compatible with their values whenever possible, and ensure educational materials are in clear, simple English, as higher education may be limited.
Roma Americans: Be aware that Roma clients may use traditional healers or folk remedies. Maintain a non-judgmental attitude and seek to understand their health beliefs regarding illness causation before formulating a treatment plan