Completing the General Awareness and Attitudes Scale helped me learn more about my attitudes toward individuals of different cultures and determine whether or not I have a biased perception toward those cultures. I realized that I always feel comfortable when interacting with people who represent cultures that differ from mine. At the same time, I discovered my own behaviors and views are in many ways influenced by my culture and upbringing. The scale also says that I generally provide medical care with equal patience and eagerness to all individuals, regardless of their age, race, culture, or other factors. I have never made a professional decision based on my cultural beliefs as well. I think that the most important factors that should influence health workers’ decisions during treatment and diagnosis are their patients’ safety and well-being.
Although I cannot say that I have a strong bias, I admit that some biased concepts may exist in my subconscious mind. Therefore, I will take steps to eliminate any possible biased preconceptions or prevent their formation. To do that, I will implement a number of strategies recommended by many researchers and scholars in the field of healthcare delivery. Firstly, I will try to increase my awareness of the patients’ cultural backgrounds and values. I will also try to learn more about the common bias and stereotypes associated with different cultures, as well as about the causes and consequences of those stereotypes (“Quick safety issue 23,” 2016). I believe that high level of awareness will help me to eliminate or prevent any possible cultural bias at my workplace. Finally, I will try to individuate patients more and promote individuation strategies among my colleagues.
Reference
Quick safety issue 23: Implicit bias in health care. (2016). The Joint Commission.