Gathering cultural information through assessments

Re: Topic 4 DQ 1
Gathering cultural information through assessments is important to curating a personalized care plan that meets the patient’s needs as well as assisting with promoting and treating their health effectively (GCU, 2018). The Heritage Assessment Tool (HAT) collects information with reference to their culture in detail to aid with educating the nurse on their culture and to provide a composition for their care plan (GCU, 2018).

Respecting cultural choices and needs is critical to staying competent in addressing their psychosocial and physical needs (GCU, 2018). By being open and aware of cultural differences, nurses are able to adjust and provide better care to their patients. Cultural competency can be done by taking in detailed assessments on their culture and adjusting the care plan as needed, and giving accommodations when relevant (GCU, 2018). For example, documenting a pork restriction within their nutrition chart for Muslim patients.

References

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Health promotion: Health & wellness across the continuum. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs429vn/health-promotion-health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum/v1.1/