Interview a client whose culture is different from yours. The client can be a patient, neighbor, grandparent, in-law, or friend. Do not use your parent, brother, sister, spouse, or significant other. This interview is the basis of your assignment. Use the Organizing Framework (12 boxes in Chapter 2) to guide your interview.
Interview your selected person on three or four domains of the model. Complete a literature review of the cultural group from which your interviewee comes. Compare and contrast data obtained from your interview with what you find in the literature. Provide at least two recommendations for clinical practice, two recommendations for research, and two recommendations for the health-care organization on this cultural group; be specific in your recommendations. Value of this exercise to your current or future practice.
I interviewed my neighbor, Mrs. Jones, who is an African American woman. I interviewed her on three domains of the Organizing Framework:
Literature Review
I reviewed the literature on African American health beliefs and practices. I found that African Americans are more likely to believe in the power of prayer and faith to heal than white Americans. They are also more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, such as herbal remedies and massage therapy.
I also found that African Americans are more likely to be direct communicators than white Americans. They are also more likely to be expressive and use a lot of gestures when they talk.
Comparison and Contrast
The data I obtained from my interview with Mrs. Jones is consistent with what I found in the literature. Mrs. Jones believes in the power of prayer and faith to heal, and she uses CAM therapies. She is also a direct communicator who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Recommendations
Based on my interview with Mrs. Jones and my review of the literature, I have the following recommendations for clinical practice, research, and the health-care organization:
Value of this exercise
This exercise was valuable for my current and future practice. It helped me to learn more about the cultural beliefs and practices of African Americans. It also helped me to develop a better understanding of Mrs. Jones’s communication style. This knowledge will help me to provide better care to African American patients in the future.
Conclusion
I believe that this exercise was a valuable learning experience. I learned a lot about the cultural beliefs and practices of African Americans. I also developed a better understanding of Mrs. Jones’s communication style. This knowledge will help me to provide better care to African American patients in the future.