Diversity among individuals, as well as cultures, provides a challenge for nurses when it comes to delivering meaningful health promotion and illness prevention-based education. How do teaching principles, varied learning styles (for both nurses and patients), and teaching methodologies impact the approach to education? How do health care providers overcome differing points of view regarding health promotion and disease prevention? Provide an example.
Nurses are exposed daily to different cultures and beliefs working in the healthcare field. On top of the diversity, we should be aware of their level of education along with their style of learning, this way it will allow the nurse to formulate the best teaching method possible for the patient. Patients with cultural differences may not be willing to participate in the education or even incorporate it into their lifestyle. There must be a form of trust to initiate any formal teaching. Assessing their ideas and values related to their health and illness, medication being taken, treatments rendered, and expectations are a good platform for an effective teaching/learning to begin. Healthcare professionals should learn about the cultural background of our patients paying attention to their body language and expressions. Cultural stereotyping must definitely be avoided and be sensitive to their needs. Teaching should be a multidisciplinary team effort that includes the therapy department, dietician, and social worker incorporating all needs of their culture.
Teaching can be done, preferably one who speaks their language, at the local cultural center focusing on the importance of health screenings and the encouragement of their family would help lower the incidence of mortality in cancer.
Nurses should also be aware of their own beliefs and values before interacting with other cultures because often times the