“In many instances knowing the person who has the disease is as important as knowing the disease the person has.” (James McCormick, 1996)
Ideas about adulthood and independence are shaped by our culture and past experiences. Culture determines:
- How parents and children view their health condition, including how limiting it will be on their future achievements
- How autonomous children are expected, or allowed, to be
- What types of health promotion activities are practiced
- Who people prefer to talk to about health concerns, including mental health concerns
- Ideas about who should be involved in health-related decisions
- How well people understand the healthcare system
- How much people trust the healthcare system and those who work in it
Cultural competence is the ability to understand, appreciate, and relate in a positive way with people who have a culture different from your own. Here are some ways to increase your cultural competence:
- Caring for Kids New to Canada is a Canadian Paediatric Society guideline on initial investigations and management steps for those who are new to Canada.
- Diverse Populations offers education and resources for healthcare providers to better support patients from diverse backgrounds.
