In Korean culture and customs, respect and reverence for family values and elders in age, position, or social status, including parents, teachers, brothers and sisters, and the elderly, are deeply rooted. People categorized as “elders” are responsible for the “junior” and also have certain obligations to them. (Oh et al., 2020). Moreover, special mention is made of etiquette in Korean culture, which prescribes serving things with both hands. As for traditions, Koreans consider marriage the most crucial stage in life and have a highly negative view of divorce as a manifestation of disrespect for each other and their parents.
The cultural characteristics of each country must also take into account the geography of the area. Korean culture has different influences as the Korean Peninsula is located in the center of Northeast Asia, bordered by China to the west and Japan to the east. As for religion as a part of the culture, In South Korea, all major world religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, peacefully coexist with shamanism. Buddhism and Confucianism have had the most profound impact on the spiritual world and the life of the Korean people, and more than half of the country’s cultural heritage is associated with these two religions.
Koreans are one of the world leaders in longevity, and the average life expectancy in South Korea is high. Firstly, herbal medicine is a widespread practice in Korea that does not replace but complements medicine and is one of the central beliefs about health (Jeon & Kwon, 2017). Koreans use herbs for all kinds of diseases and ailments and believe that they improve health. Secondly, Koreans have long believed that food and medicine have the same roots and fulfill the same function, following the adage that “food is the best medicine.”
The idea that a person’s health depends on food and how they eat it played an essential role in developing traditional Korean medicine. The basic principle is that treatment should only be used if the disease cannot be cured using food. Finally, Koreans believe in the healing properties of hot saunas. According to Koreans, saunas improve health and human health and mood (Jeon & Kwon, 2017). Saunas and steam rooms improve metabolism and detoxification, allowing people to relax and unwind after a hard day (Jeon & Kwon, 2017). Thus, Korean beliefs about medicine include food, herbal treatments, and saunas.
Cultural competence in the healthcare sector contributes to positive outcomes for patients and improves the accuracy of medical research. Part of the nurse’s responsibility to the patient is to learn as much as possible about the patient. Their medical history, medication list, and current symptoms often come down to their medical history. Health care only reaches its full potential when the entire patient is considered, including his family, daily life and culture. To treat Korean patients, a nurse must learn the most important thing about their culture. Thus, as Koreans believe in the medicinal properties of herbs, along with the usual treatment, the nurse can offer herbal infusions. At the same time, it is necessary to create a list of foods and dishes that will help improve the general condition of the patient since food for Koreans is medicinal. Moreover, the nurse should conduct a conversation and, if the sauna is contraindicated, explain precisely and in detail why the patient should refuse to visit it.
Language barriers exacerbate all the other challenges nurses face in caring for culturally diverse patients. To communicate effectively with the patients, ask them about their health history, or talk about the procedure, it is necessary to overcome the language barrier. That is why it is worth checking if an interpreter is available, as most hospitals have in-house translators. Without a translator, one should study the translation technology and, if necessary, explain the procedure with gestures and pictures.
Moreover, every patient must give informed consent to any medical procedure regardless of culture or race. If they are unfamiliar with medical practice, nurses must explain why the system is needed and how the process works. In addition, patients with different cultural backgrounds require additional training on how to behave independently at home. They may have to combine new customs with cultural traditions to maintain their health, and education is a critical component of this process.
Various resources can be used to access cultural information. This will increase the nurse’s knowledge of culture, leading to better patient care. One of the most accessible and reliable sources is the cultural centers of a particular country. They can be found in every country and have access to online resources. In this way, the nurse will be able to learn about the country’s culture by reading descriptions from the representatives of the culture. Moreover, the nurse can watch educational films and cultural stories, which will help communicate with the patient.
It can be challenging for nurses to understand some of the patients’ beliefs, such as not taking medication. They may disagree with the patient’s decision to refuse treatment, so it is essential to develop sensitivity to different religious beliefs. People belonging to specific economic and social groups may also approach care and treatment differently. In such cases, nurses have to overcome personal objections, but the first step is cultural perception. Finally, respect is one of the most critical aspects of developing cultural sensitivity and awareness (Clark, 2019). If a nurse does not respect the patients, they are less likely to trust the nurse or move forward with what the healthcare provider recommends regarding treatment. When the patient feels that the nurse is listening and tries to understand their cultural differences, they are more likely to respond positively.
References
Clark, C. M. (2019). Fostering a culture of civility and respect in nursing. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 44-52. Web.
Jeon, B. & Kwon, S. (2017). Health and long-term care systems for older people in the Republic of Korea: policy challenges and lessons. Health Systems & Reform, 3, 214-223. Web.
Oh, H., Falbo, T. & Lee, K. (2020). Culture moderates the relationship between family obligation values and the outcomes of Korean and European American college students. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 51(6), 127-135.