Introduction
Culture is a crucial aspect of many individuals. It has an influence on their day to day activities and their interactions. Culture results in the development of various biases, especially in the medical field. This means that the treatment options and strategies expected by a patient vary based on their culture. When it comes to the provision of healthcare, there are various psychosocial aspects that influence how the patient is treated. These factors are majorly cultural and determine the decisions made by the patient’s doctor.
Culture in the Medical Field
In any hospital situation, both the doctor and the patient bring into the situation an exchange of a number of cultural factors. These factors may be of relevance to the treatment the patient needs and the expected outcomes. When there are cultural differences, the decisions by the doctor can be influenced by cultural assumptions and biases which are present, but the doctor is not consciously aware of them (Meredith, 2011).
There are various beliefs and behaviors characterized by films that are different from my own. Most of these differences are cultural in nature and have a role to play when it comes to interaction with patients. Patients are influenced by culture highly, and this determines how they undergo treatment (Meredith, 2011). For instance, in the film Greys Anatomy, the beliefs of the patient are different from my own as she is dependent upon a religious leader before any treatment can be done on her. Furthermore, she is willing to risk her ability to walk and undergo pain for the sake of cultural beliefs. In comparison to my own beliefs, the patient’s cultural beliefs are varied from my own.
If the patient was my client, I would have to agree with their wishes. The effectiveness of the treatment of a patient is sometimes dependent on the psychology of the patient. For instance, the patient would only be comfortable if a religious ritual is conducted on her before treatment. This would also ensure a quick recovery and play a vital role during the healing process.
In any clinical situation, it would be appropriate to ask questions that are not stereotypical in nature. Thus, generalizations should not be made of what is expected of a particular culture, but rather the patient is considered unique and not entirely influenced by culture (Meredith, 2011). For instance, the patient can be asked if they are in need of a religious leader before undergoing treatment. Through this, it would be easy to avoid biases.
It is a reality that the elderly are mistreated in our society. This can be seen on the basis that most of these elderly individuals have families who are not interested in taking care of them. As a result, they are placed in special institutions made for the elderly. Moreover, some of them live in tower blocks and bingo halls, placed there by their families who no longer wish to be responsible for them.
Most of the elderly are left in seclusion, some of whom stay in the same place for long periods of time. For instance, one of the participants in the video shows a placard detailing that she has not left her flat in three years. Thus, our healthcare system is not effectively looking after the elderly. They are people and deserve equal treatment to ensure they have a full filing period during the last days of their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people tend to form feelings and beliefs based on biases they have towards different cultures (Meredith, 2011). Thus, it becomes necessary to be aware of the different cultures and appreciate them.
Reference
Meredith. E. D. (2011). Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care, 3rd edition. Ohio: Prentice Hall.