Health care practices & health care-practitioners

Health care practices & health care- practitioners
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Question 1
Considering the diverse nature of most communities in the present world, there are different cultures found in one locality thus; the persons that attend hospitals have different cultures. As far as health is concerned, cultural competence in health has become an integral aspect of dealing with patients (Tseng. & Streltzer, 2008). Factors such as language barrier tend to be the core challenge for most health practitioners therefore; being able to communicate in other languages other than the standard language allows the practitioners to improve the service rendered to patients since they are able to communicate comfortably. It is vital for health practitioners to learn the local language of their post in order to serve their patients appropriately. The language is part of the local culture and upholding the cultural competence ensures that the practitioners give patient-centered care (Leininger, 2005). The patient-centered care improves the health outcome of patients thus; enhancing health care service.
Question 2
In case of incompetence or lack of cultural competence in a health facility, there are several negative consequences. One of the major consequences is misdiagnosis since there would be poor communication such as language barrier (Tseng. & Streltzer, 2008). The practitioner would fail to understand the medical need of the patient due to language barrier. Secondly, the running of the hospital system would be complicated in that local subordinate staff would fail in their duties due to poor information flow because of the different languages. The misunderstanding could lead to deaths for instance, drivers of ambulances could misunderstand hospitals thereby; patients may be jeopardized. Another potential negative outcome is poor patient outcome because the health care service would not be patient-centered (Tseng. & Streltzer, 2008). Patients with chronic conditions could be lost in the process in a situation that could be salvaged through cultural competence.