Cultural Aspects of Geriatric Medicine

1
Cultural Aspects of Geriatric Medicine

• Crystal L. Tagoe, LPN
• OU Dept of Family Medicine

2
Objective

• To examine personal assumption about cultural
  differences
• To examine if cultural awareness reduces racial
  and ethnic health disparities
• To examine the benefits of using trained
  interpreters for accurate communication

3
(No Transcript)
4
OVERVIEW

• The primary goal of the medical system is to
  provide optimal care for all patients

5
OLD STYLE HEALING IN THE NEW WORLD
Figure 1-1 The Healer
Figure 1-3 Bone Man
Figure 1-2 Medicine Man
6
WHY STUDY CULTURE?

• By studying other cultures, one learns about
• different ways in which to view the world

7
WHAT IS CULTURE?

• Webster dictionary defines culture as The
  customary beliefs, social forms and material
  traits of a racial, religious, or social group

8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
CASE STUDY

• Lily a forty-eight year old women from the
  Middle East

GALLSTONES
SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN
11
CASE STUDY

• Case of Mrs. H.

83-years old
TYPE II DIABETES SEVERE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
12
COMMUNICATION

• MISCOMMUNICATION IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM IN
  HEALTH CARE

The most obvious case is when the patient and the
healthcare personnel do not speak the same
language
13
Culture Awareness

• A stereotype and a generalization may appear
  similar, but they function very differently
• We are all unique

14

• 75-year old woman still going and strutting her
  stuff each year in parades across the country.

15
Summary

• Given the number of cultures represented in the
  United States, it is important for professionals
  to gain knowledge about the cultures of their
  clients