This week I will be blogging about my interpretation and understanding of multiculturalism and health and reflect on how I believe this topic will help my future as a registered nurse.
Working within the health care sector allows individuals to experience first hand the cultural diversity that is seen world wide. My understanding of multiculturalism is a term used to describe the ethnic and diversity of cultures that create our nation. From my understanding all cultures have different perspectives on the process of health beliefs to explain what causes illness, how it can be cured or treated, and who should be involved in the process. Reflecting on some different culture perspectives, I can determine that each ethnic group brings its own perspectives and values to the health care system, and many health care beliefs and health practices differ from the traditional health care culture of Australia.
Many individuals or families seeking migration are classified as a planned migration or forced migration. A planned migration is a voluntary move to seek a better life, whereas a forced migration is due to internal homeland conflict. When migrating countries many individuals face culture barriers that can impact daily living as well as access to health care services. Common barriers that the migrant population may face are; language barriers, culture practices, difficulty in assimilation, low level health literacy and family separation such as the waiting list (World Health Organisation, 2016).
Viewing the interview of Mercy was an eye opener to the considerations that must be taken when working with individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. She was able to identify how the barriers can be difficult to overcome for them and the health care team. Mercy was a strong believer in the importance of communication and negotiation between each other. I personally, strongly agree with Mercy's opinion as I believe communication builds a therapeutic relationship. The topic of multiculturalism and health has shaped my values around nursing in the sense of being considerate of other people's circumstance. It is also important to remember that each individuals experience with migration is different, and as a health care professional we cannot always imagine what they have been through emotional, physically or mentally.
References:
World Health Organisation. (2016). Overcoming Migrants Barriers to Health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/08-020808/en/
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