Cultural sensitivity improves outcomes for cancer patients

Dermatology Nursing, August, 2008 by Daniel B. Burfeind

Nurses and health care providers who care for patients of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds often face such challenges as unfamiliar languages and cultural beliefs. To provide optimum care, cultural sensitivity and knowledge are crucial, especially in the case of patients facing cancer. In the April 2008 issue of MEDSURG Nursing, authors Marcos Pesquera, Linda Yoder, and Marilyn Lynk outline key aspects of provider care that help patients understand their disease and reduce the anxiety that comes with facing a serious illness in an unfamiliar setting.

Nurses and other professionals first need to assess their personal attitudes and identify any biases or assumptions, Pesquera noted. Providers should then seek to understand a patient's particular culture and its influence on cancer prevention and control. To further build trust, health care professionals need to demonstrate empathy and validate the patient's comprehension by asking such questions as "Do you understand what I am asking you to do?" The authors point out that culturally competent care "requires a commitment on behalf of an entire institution--personnel, programs, policies, and resources--to embrace cultural competence and reduce health disparities."

For the complete "Cancer: Caring and Conquering" column visit www.medsurgnursing.net. See Pesquera, M., et al. (2008). Improving cross-cultural awareness and skills to reduce health disparities in cancer. MEDSURG Nursing, 17(2), 114-121.

Daniel B. Burfeind, RN, DNC, is a Staff Nurse, Mohs Department, Panzer Dermatology, Neward, DE; and a Dermatology Nursing Editorial Board Member.