Mind Map for Providing Culturally Appropriate Care
After reviewing this module’s assigned readings, you will create a mind map identifying the six cultural phenomena that should be considered when providing culturally appropriate patient care, according to Giger and Davidhizar. For each transculture in nursing, give a brief description and example.
References 3 APA 7th
submit a URL or PDF of your mind map.
Culturally Appropriate Patient Care: The Six Cultural Phenomena in Nursing
In contemporary nursing, providing culturally competent care is a fundamental expectation. Madeleine Leininger and later theorists like Giger and Davidhizar introduced models of transcultural nursing that emphasize the need to tailor healthcare practices to meet the cultural needs of patients. Giger and Davidhizar developed the Transcultural Assessment Model, which identifies six cultural phenomena that should be considered when delivering culturally appropriate patient care. These phenomena are communication, space, social organization, time, environmental control, and biological variations. This essay briefly describes each phenomenon, its significance in nursing, and provides examples for application in patient care.
1. Communication
Communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings through verbal and non-verbal means. It plays a critical role in nursing, as effective communication fosters understanding between healthcare providers and patients. Culturally, people may have different communication styles, language preferences, or reliance on non-verbal cues, which can affect the care they receive.
Example: A nurse treating a Spanish-speaking patient may need a translator or interpretive services to ensure the patient fully understands their treatment plan. The nurse must also be sensitive to non-verbal cues like eye contact or gestures, which can hold different meanings across cultures.
2. Space
The concept of space refers to the physical proximity individuals prefer during interactions. Personal space varies significantly between cultures, and misunderstandings related to space can create discomfort in the healthcare setting. In nursing, awareness of these cultural differences can help avoid patient distress.
Example: In some Asian cultures, patients may prefer more distance during conversations with healthcare providers, while patients from Latin American backgrounds may feel more comfortable with closer proximity during interactions. A nurse should observe the patient’s body language and adjust the distance accordingly to respect their personal space.
3. Social Organization
Social organization refers to the patterns of social structures and relationships that influence behaviors, roles, and values within a cultural group. Family roles, community influence, and religious beliefs are part of social organization, and they affect healthcare decision-making.
Example: In many African cultures, healthcare decisions may be made by the extended family, not just the individual. A nurse may need to involve family members in discussions about a patient’s treatment options to ensure that the patient feels supported and respected.
4. Time
Time orientation varies between cultures, affecting how individuals perceive punctuality, schedules, and deadlines. Some cultures may be future-oriented, while others focus on the present or the past. In nursing, this can influence a patient’s approach to appointments, adherence to treatment plans, and health practices.
Example: A patient from a Western culture may value punctuality and expect healthcare providers to be on time for appointments. Conversely, a patient from a Caribbean culture may have a more relaxed attitude toward time and may not perceive lateness as problematic. Nurses should be mindful of these differences when scheduling care or discussing treatment timelines.
5. Environmental Control
Environmental control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they can control their environment and health outcomes. Some cultures emphasize internal control, where individuals believe they can influence their health, while others may attribute outcomes to external factors like fate, spiritual beliefs, or luck.
Example: In Native American cultures, illness may be viewed as being caused by spiritual imbalances or the influence of natural forces. A nurse working with such a patient may need to incorporate holistic care or alternative healing practices, such as rituals or herbal medicine, alongside conventional treatments.
6. Biological Variations
Biological variations refer to the physical, genetic, and biological differences between individuals from different cultural groups. These variations can influence how patients respond to medications, their susceptibility to certain diseases, and overall health outcomes.
Example: African American patients are more prone to conditions like hypertension and sickle cell anemia, while people of Asian descent may metabolize certain medications differently. A nurse should be aware of these biological differences when developing individualized care plans and monitoring treatment responses.
Conclusion
Understanding the six cultural phenomena outlined by Giger and Davidhizar—communication, space, social organization, time, environmental control, and biological variations—is essential for providing culturally competent care in nursing. By incorporating these concepts into practice, nurses can foster more meaningful relationships with their patients, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that healthcare delivery is respectful of and responsive to the diverse cultural needs of individuals.
An APA References Page
Giger, J. N., & Davidhizar, R. E. (2002). Transcultural nursing: Assessment and intervention (4th ed.). Mosby.
Leininger, M. M. (1991). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. National League for Nursing Press.
Jeffreys, M. R. (2016). Teaching cultural competence in nursing and health care: Inquiry, action, and innovation (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.