Cultural competence, patient care, family relationships, spiritual accompaniment, healthcare professionals, palliative care, cultural differences, anthropology of health
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Abstract
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Abstract
The importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in patient care, highlighting the role of family and spiritual accompaniment.
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[...] relies on her daughter, demonstrating a family and cultural dynamic where loved ones are at the origin of medical decisions. The text highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the 'culture of the other,' which implies that healthcare professionals must adjust their approach to include family members when they are considered essential intermediaries. By taking into account these cultural and family relationships, it is possible to provide more respectful and personalized care tailored to the individual needs of patients, while addressing the challenges related to cultural differences. [...]
[...] It is essential, therefore, that I become aware of my own cultural biases and the impact they can have on patient care. A healthcare professional from a culture that encourages autonomy and individual decision-making may have different expectations of a patient from a culture where decisions are made collectively or where the family plays a central role in the care process. It is crucial to be aware of this awareness in order to avoid transferring my own expectations and values onto the patient, which could lead to misunderstandings or inadequate care. [...]
[...] A., who is Portuguese, it is essential to recognize the role of his wife not only as a caregiver but perhaps also as a source of spiritual support. The fact that Mrs. A. is constantly present could be associated with cultural and spiritual principles where family plays a central role in the care and healing process. Question 3 During my geriatrics internship, I met a patient from Morocco, Mrs. B., who suffered from various chronic conditions. She was always accompanied by her daughter during consultations, who insisted on answering all questions and taking decisions regarding care. [...]
[...] Spiritual accompaniment is often considered in socio-anthropology as an essential element of the holism of care, that is, the consideration of the individual as a whole. Depending on cultures, religious beliefs, and personal experiences, spiritual needs can be very different. For example, for Mr. S., his refusal to share his diagnosis with his family may be associated with deeply ingrained ideas of shame and dignity rooted in his Tunisian culture. It is essential that the care team understands and respects these spiritual and cultural aspects in order to provide appropriate support. [...]
[...] Finally, the team realized that the family occupies a central and protective place in Mrs. B.'s culture, particularly in terms of health care. Mrs. B.'s daughter was both a translator and a protector of the care to be provided to her mother, a common practice in some cultures where the elderly are heavily dependent on their family members to make crucial decisions. This situation is directly related to the concepts developed in the text. Just as in Portuguese culture, Mr. [...]
