Cultural Mosaics: How OTs Fit!
Health care and communication with a multicultural population
Here are some helpful strategies/tips when communicating with newcomer clients:
-An interpreter can be useful! (Hamilton, 1996).
-Ask open-ended questions to see if you are clear in your communication, ask for feedback or the need to clarify anything discussed. Also watch the speed of your speech! This works both ways- if you do not understand something that has been said ask for clarification
-Learn to ask a question in a few different ways
-Silence may be helpful, it will allow time for everyone to gather their thoughts/questions
-Beware of your body language, seem engaged in what your client is saying
-Listen well! Be patient, and try not to get frustrated, otherwise that will come through in your tone, volume of voice, facial expression, body language and your client will sense that and possibly be discouraged
- It may be helpful to be aware of certain sounds different cultures have trouble pronouncing so that you can problem-solve and identify what is being said
-Other cultures may have different values than yourself- try to maintain a professional demeanor even though you may not agree with their beliefs. You are not there to judge them.
- Recognize that everyone has biases, this is normal (Hamilton, 1996). Try to acknowledge and grow from reflecting on your biases and how they may be interfering with client-centered care.
-Lack of English may not necessarily equate to lack of education (Hamilton, 1996)
References and resources for extra reading:
Hamilton, Janice. (1996). Multicultural health care requires adjustments by doctors and
patients. Journal of Canadian Medical Association, 155 (5): 585-587.
Zanchetta, M., and Poureslami, I. (2006). Health Literacy and Immigrants' culture.
Canadian Journal of Public Health, 97(2): s26-s31.
Berlin, E.A., and Fowkes, Jr. (1983). A teaching framework cor cross-cultural care-
application in family practice. Western Journal of Medicine, 139: 934-938.
-An interpreter can be useful! (Hamilton, 1996).
-Ask open-ended questions to see if you are clear in your communication, ask for feedback or the need to clarify anything discussed. Also watch the speed of your speech! This works both ways- if you do not understand something that has been said ask for clarification
-Learn to ask a question in a few different ways
-Silence may be helpful, it will allow time for everyone to gather their thoughts/questions
-Beware of your body language, seem engaged in what your client is saying
-Listen well! Be patient, and try not to get frustrated, otherwise that will come through in your tone, volume of voice, facial expression, body language and your client will sense that and possibly be discouraged
- It may be helpful to be aware of certain sounds different cultures have trouble pronouncing so that you can problem-solve and identify what is being said
-Other cultures may have different values than yourself- try to maintain a professional demeanor even though you may not agree with their beliefs. You are not there to judge them.
- Recognize that everyone has biases, this is normal (Hamilton, 1996). Try to acknowledge and grow from reflecting on your biases and how they may be interfering with client-centered care.
-Lack of English may not necessarily equate to lack of education (Hamilton, 1996)
References and resources for extra reading:
Hamilton, Janice. (1996). Multicultural health care requires adjustments by doctors and
patients. Journal of Canadian Medical Association, 155 (5): 585-587.
Zanchetta, M., and Poureslami, I. (2006). Health Literacy and Immigrants' culture.
Canadian Journal of Public Health, 97(2): s26-s31.
Berlin, E.A., and Fowkes, Jr. (1983). A teaching framework cor cross-cultural care-
application in family practice. Western Journal of Medicine, 139: 934-938.
