Cultural Competency in Healthcare Flashcards

A patient refuses to make eye contact with the physician. How should the interpreter handle this?

Answer: Explain to the provider that avoiding eye contact may be a sign of respect in the patient's culture

The interpreter should serve as a cultural mediator, preventing the provider from misinterpreting the behavior.

What is 'health literacy' and why is it important for interpreters?

Answer: The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information

Health literacy encompasses a patient's ability to understand health information and navigate the healthcare system.

In cultures with collective decision-making, how should the interpreter approach family involvement?

Answer: Interpret all communication while allowing the provider to manage dynamics

The interpreter should accurately interpret all parties while respecting cultural norms, leaving clinical management to the provider.

What is 'cultural humility' vs 'cultural competence'?

Answer: An ongoing process of self-reflection vs a finite mastery of cultural knowledge

Cultural humility emphasizes lifelong self-reflection and openness, while cultural competence can imply a finite endpoint.

A patient uses traditional herbal remedies alongside prescribed medication. What is the interpreter's responsibility?

Answer: Accurately interpret the disclosure so the provider can assess interactions

The interpreter must accurately convey all health-related information so the provider can make informed clinical decisions.

What is 'ethnocentrism' and how can it affect interpreting?

Answer: Judging other cultures by one's own standards, assuming superiority

Ethnocentrism can lead to biased interpreting, dismissal of cultural practices, or inaccurate cultural mediation.