Multicultural Perspectives About Health Care

With a focus on client-centred care, this book provides an introduction to developing cultural competence in the health care setting. A unique presentation covering both theory and practice, the book begins with a strong foundational model for understanding culture. It then introduces general knowledge on culture which can be provided to a variety of settings, and ends with clinical applications illustrating how to apply knowledge and awareness to a variety of populations. With contributions from twelve leading experts, material is drawn from a wide range of health care settings and has strong practical coverage throughout. Unique approach: looks at populations the way health care workers encounter them, not by ethno-cultural/religious labels Multidisciplinary approach to writing reflects a variety of perspectives and direct front-line experience Discussion is broad and inclusive, integrating different perspectives, but also makes visible the different paradigms used to approach the topic Case studies and questions encourage critical thinking and dialogue

The second edition of this popular introductory text explores the many sensitive issues of culture, race and ethnicity as they affect patient care, including: -health and illness beliefs, and their relationship to religious beliefs -mental health and culture -women's health in a multicultural society -caring for older people death and bereavement All chapters have been updated to present the latest theory and practice and new chapters on men's health and cultural care, and migration and asylum seekers have been added, along with updated case studies and reflective exercises to help the reader link theory to practice. This book is essential reading for all nursing students, as well as midwifery, allied health and health and social care students. It is also a useful reference for qualified nurses, midwives, health care assistants, assistant healthcare practitioners and allied health professionals.

Written for all health care providers, this text promotes awareness of the dimensions and complexities involved in caring for people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The author through discussions of her own experiences, shows how cultural heritage can affect delivery and acceptance of health care and how professionals, when interacting with their clients, need to be aware of these issues in order to deliver safe and professional care. Traditional and alternative health care beliefs and practices from Asian American, African American, Hispanic, and American Indian perspectives are represented.

Most Western health professionals practice in multicultural societies. The influence of culture on illness, health and rehabilitation is therefore very important. Despite this, most lower level health psychology texts skim over these differences and assume our traditional biomedical approach will be appropriate for all. In this completely revised and updated edition of a groundbreaking book, Malcolm MacLachlan redresses the balance by showing how social and cultural aspects interact with the purely physical: from assessment and treatment all the way through to effects on rehabilitation.

Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Health: A Multicultural Perspective provides a critical analysis of non-allopathic healing practices, including their uses, limitations, and scientific basis. The evidence-based discussion explores complementary, alternative, and integrative health (CAIH) across various cultural and ethnic groups both in the U.S. and internationally, to give you a greater understanding of the different modalities—including a literature-backed examination of proven methods and questionable practices within a cross-cultural framework. Each chapter highlights the scientific analysis of the practices relevant to each group, and guides you toward independent analysis of the risks and benefits of the practices discussed. Emphasizing the student as a future health professional, this book includes case studies, examples, questions, and discussion problems that underscore the role of health educators in educating consumers about CAIH practices.

Unit I: The Foundations: Introduction to multicultural health -- Theories and models related to multicultural health -- Worldview and health decisions -- Complementary and alternative medicine -- Religion, rituals and health -- Communication and health promotion in diverse societies. Unit II: Specific Cultural Groups: Hispanic and Latino American populations -- American Indian and Alaskan Native populations -- African American populations -- Asian American populations -- European and Mediterranean American populations -- Nonethnic cultures. Unit III: Looking Ahead: Closing the gap: strategies for eliminating health disparities.

This book provides insights into the complexities of multicultural relations in health care and demystifies the many cultural influences on health and health care to achieve its ultimate goal - to help people get the most they can out of health care and facilitate the promotion of public health.