The Level Of Health Care Today Essay
As our communities continually evolve, we are living in more heterogenous societies where we encounter peoples that differ in intellect, religion, ethnic background, socioeconomic background, or political beliefs, just to name but a few. Many predict by 2055 there will not be a single racial or ethnic majority. Importantly, the individuals who make up these communities is what matter despite the above classifications, but it still must be considered. It is our responsibility as healthcare providers to appropriately represent and exercise cultural sensitivity for the population we treat. The Level Of Health Care Today Essay
I had the fortunate opportunity to encounter people who differ from me in the aforementioned ways. As a military child moving approximately every 5 years until I was a teenager, I learned at a young age varying ways to engage and interact with many different people. Furthermore, I fortunately attended Emory University which was a hub for diversity; The women on my freshman hall collectively represented at least 6 countries. Through my studies whether through my anthropology classes or dance classes, it helped me develop a lens to which to better view the world through the eyes of other cultures that varied greatly from American culture. Furthermore, increasing evidence reveals that diversity in education environments can improve social and civic skills which gives way to the ability to empathize and better cultural understanding. However, the experience that truly contributed to my increasing appreciation for diversity in the workplace is my time working as a scribe in the emergency room.
Healthcare today is “transitioning to a patient-centered care system in which patients are demanding more personable service, open communication and higher levels of rapport. [Patients] want to feel comfortable with their healthcare providers and care teams.” As physical therapists, we are held to the same standard. It is reported that racial and ethnic minority patients are generally more satisfied and entrust the provider with their care when treated by a health professional of their own racial or ethnic background or those who exercised cultural sensitivity. This idea was very apparent as I observe > 5,000 provider-patient interactions whether it was the ER physicians, orthopedic surgeons, or the physical therapists. At Emory University Hospital Midtown, the patient population was roughly >60% African American. Because of our location situated in the affluent areas in Midtown which abruptly transitioned to the impoverished areas of Atlanta, we encounter many from different economic statuses, in turn brought differing attitudes and expectations when it comes to their care. The Level Of Health Care Today Essay
The benefits of my observation and work experiences were twofold: I was able to witness different health care providers who may have come from a different background find ways to relate to and make their patients feel comfortable enough to entrust them with their care. And I recognized my duty and responsibility to find ways to practice cultural sensitivity and the benefits it will have to my patients as a physical therapist. As blatant observation, there are not many African American physical therapists. Through my observations, I have only met one African American physical therapist. From my prior research of the field, African Americans make up approximately 4% of all physical therapist. I will be able to tap into a patient population. Engagement with those who differ from our own views and culture will help us see beyond the stereotypes. By encountering and interacting with individuals from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds during their training, health professionals are better able to serve the nation’s diverse society by having broadened perspectives of racial, ethnic and cultural similarities and differences. The Level Of Health Care Today Essay