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Culture and Faith-Related Issues in Medical Education and Practice

 

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A Cultural Sensitivity Initiative for Medical Education

 
A Picker Institute 2006 Challenge Grant was awarded for "A Cultural Sensitivity Initiative for Medical Education". A patient-centered practice requires knowledge of and sensitivity to culture and faith-related issues. This is a proposal for the development of a graduate medical education curriculum that will focus on teaching the knowledge and skills needed to relate to patients and all members of the health care team in culturally appropriate manners. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that the cultural and spiritual needs of patients be addressed (RI.I.2; RI.I.2.7; RI.I.3.5; PE.1.1; PE.7). Faith is an integral aspect of culture.

Cultural and spiritual sensitivity is useful in all eight of The Picker Institute’s dimensions of patient-centered care. Cultural and spiritual sensitivity is essential in these six:

Respect for patient's values, preferences, and expressed needs
Information, communication, and education
Physical comfort
Emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety
Involvement of family and friends
Transition and continuity


Last edited 01 Nov 2007