Using Giger and Davidhizar’s Transcultural Assessment Model, perform a comprehensive assessment of how your ASIAN cultural group’s beliefs and practi

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Asian Culture Interview Questions

Interview Questions for Asian Culture

In preparation for your cultural interview with an individual from an Asian cultural background, it is essential to develop respectful and culturally sensitive questions. Below is a list of potential questions that align with the six areas of culturally appropriate care outlined in Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model. These questions aim to gain insights into the cultural aspects of healthcare relevant to the interviewee.

Cultural Background and Identity

1. Can you tell us about your cultural background and its relevance to you personally?

2. Identity constructed by culture-who you are culturally influences your every day as well as the way in which you go about your day-to-day relationship with other people.

Health Beliefs and Practices

3. What are some of the traditional health practices or remedies that are found in your culture?

4. What do people in your culture think about modern medicine and its practitioners? Are there any problems or preferences related to this?

Communication and Language

5. What languages do you speak, and how comfortable are you communicating in English with healthcare providers?

6. Are there specific non-verbal communication cues that are important in your culture? How can healthcare providers be sensitive to these?

Family and Social Structure

7. How does family influence healthcare decisions in your culture, and who is usually part of these conversations?

8. Are there cultural expectations regarding the involvement of family members in a patient's care?

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

9. How do your religious or spiritual beliefs influence your decisions related to healthcare and medical treatment?

10. Are there specific religious practices or rituals that healthcare providers should be aware of or accommodate?

Dietary Practices

11. What dietary restrictions or preferences are significant in your culture, and how do they impact your health?

12. Can you describe any traditional foods that are considered important for health and wellness in your culture?

End-of-Life and Palliative Care

13. What are the cultural views on end-of-life care and decision-making in your community?

14. How does your culture approach grief and mourning; are there specific customs or practices that are followed?

Additional Questions

15. Is there anything else you would like to share about your cultural beliefs that could help healthcare providers better understand your perspective?

16. What advice would you give to healthcare providers to improve their cultural competency when working with patients from your culture?

References

Giger, J. N., & Haddad, L. (2021).  Transcultural Nursing: Assessment and Intervention (8th ed). St. Louis, MO:  Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323695541

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Cultural Assessment for Asian Community

April 13, 2025

Cultural Assessment for Asian Community

Introduction

A. In today’s diverse healthcare settings, understanding and respecting cultural differences is vital for providing effective and compassionate care.

B. Traditional health beliefs, communication preferences, family dynamics and end-of-life perspectives influence decision-making and patient care. Cultural factors shape health-related behaviors, such as, preferences for modesty and nonverbal communication, alternative medicine or hesitancy to question medical authority. These elements remain critical when working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds where they play a central role in influencing health-related behaviors. Therefore, nurses can adopt strategies that enhanced cultural competence and provide respectful, patient-centered care that aligns with the cultural group they are working with.

C. Nurses can implement strategies such as, clear communication, involve family in care plans and decision-making and respect dietary and spiritual needs of Korean and broader Asian communities to enhance cultural competence and provide respectful, patient-centered care.

First main point (strongest)

Clear Communication in clinical settings is crucial in impacting patient understanding and engagement in their care.

A. Cultural identity continues to influence the health beliefs and behaviors of Asian immigrants in the United States despite acculturation.

Example 1

At home most Asian immigrants speak their native language, such as Korean and English is their second language. As a result, lack of clear communication of medical terminology, informed consent and treatment plans can hinder patient engagement in their care.

Example 2

Asian immigrants may face language barriers since English is their second language. Language barriers have significant impact on patient understanding and engagement in their care.

B. Cultural identity is strongly rooted in Asian traditions, values and norms.

Example 1

Collective family decision-making regarding patient care is important, which is evident in Asian patients’ attitude towards family, healthcare and community.

Example 2

Patient-provider interactions that disrespects and does not support the patient’s cultural framework may undermine the Asian community’s core values of harmony, respect for elders and holistic well-being. The use of polite language and indirect communication when explaining diagnoses remain critical when working with this group.

C. There is need for qualified medical interpreters when delivering important health information, as language barriers can compromise patient safety and satisfaction.

Example 1

Regarding communication preferences, Asian communities, such as the Korean, are most comfortable speaking in their native language regardless of having a basic understanding of English.

Second main point (second strongest)

Family is integral in all health decisions when working with Asian immigrants and involves consulting spouse and adult children.

A. Elders are highly respected and consulted for advice, including treatment decisions.

Example 1

The opinions of elders are highly valued and must be involved when making major healthcare decisions.

Example 2

The advice provided by elders in Asian communities influence the patient’s willingness to proceed with treatment.

B. Family members accompany the patient to medical visits and participate in discussions regarding patient care.

Example 1

The family should be involved in discussions regarding patient care as family needs and well-being takes precedence over individual preferences.

Example 2

Family involvement is not only for providing emotional support but a culturally expected practice.

C. A collectivist mindset should inform treatment decisions through a family-inclusive care planning.

Example 1

Family members should be engaged in conversations regarding patient care as their input is highly regarded.

Example 2

Respect the collectivist perspective to patient care and avoid imposing the notions of autonomy as they violate this group’s cultural values.

Third main point (weakest)

Respect patient’s dietary and spiritual needs as part of holistic, patient-centered care.

A. Spiritual care and support to Asian patients should align with a blend of Buddhism and Confucian ethics.

Example 1

Integrate these belief systems’ values of humility, patience and duty to others and self-discipline in patient care.

Example 2

The spiritual value of Asian patients’ influence their perception of health and healing whereby an individual’s well-being is not just viewed as physical, but also moral and emotional.

B. Spiritual peace is regarded as an important factor in contributing to an individual’s physical health.

Example 1

Practices, such as quite reflection, meditation and maintaining inner balance is viewed as a means to prevent illness and promote recovery.

Example 2

The nurse should incorporate traditional remedies into treatment management, such as, cupping therapy, ginseng and acupuncture modalities regarded as part of the community’s healing traditions. These practices are a vital part of the Asian’s healing process in managing symptoms and maintaining overall wellness.

C. Dietary beliefs play a central role in care planning for Asian immigrants.

Example 1

Incorporating Asian diets, such as, warm nourishing foods, including fermented vegetables like kimchi, rice and soups. These diets are regarded as a source of energy restoration and fostering internal harmony.

Example 2

The dietary choices suggested for Asian immigrants should avoid cold foods as they are believed to disturb the body’s natural healing processes. The community does not only consider food as a mere sustenance, but a remedy that enhances the natural healing process.

Conclusion

The contemporary healthcare settings require a culturally competent approach to care to provide effective and compassionate care to the diverse patient population served. The Asian community values clear communication that aligns with the community’s values and needs to improve patient understanding and engagement in their care. The family should be involved in patient care to guide vital decisions regarding patient care. Dietary and spiritual needs of this group should be part of the care planning to enhance holistic, patient-centered care. Nurses and other healthcare providers can integrate these strategies to ensure Asian immigrants receive culturally competent care, aligned with the group’s cultural beliefs and values.

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