Question

Identify some of the basic global, cultural, inclusion/equity and/or ethical issues with in a healthcare setting with a diverse client population?

Answer 1

Basically, there exist many issues that could arise in a healthcare setting which holds a diverse client population. People who belong to different communities and religious groups might be having diverse beliefs and limitations. As a health professional its our responsibility to be aware of these issues and work accordingly. For instance , if a Muslim woman is brought to a hospital, and if she has to undergo a physical assessment, her relatives might probably be reluctant to let a male doctor to assess her. In such a situation, there could arise many cultural issues. So, as health professionals we should be ready to accept their side rather than causing any trouble.

At the same time there has been many situations in which client parties question the doctor's diagnosis and recommendations, when they view the client's condition in a cultural aspect. In such situations, the health workers have to be prepared to explain and make the client parties understand the condition in an effective manner.

Keeping aside the cultural issues, there also exist class and economy related issues in a hospital setting, wherein high class rich clients are provided with quality treatment whereas economicaly and culturally low class people are being denied of such quality treatment methods. It could be considered as an alarm sign that reminds us of such class discrimination issues that still exist even in healthcare settings.

Coming to the side of health professionals, there has been many situations in which partiality being shown to a particular group or class of people whereas others are being less considered. It should be considered prime importance to teach the upcoming health professionals to become equally available for the patients and he/she can show partiality but only based on the clients condition and severity.

There could also arise conflicts between different clients and client parties based on their class discrimination or cultural beliefs.

If we get into this topic deeper, there exist hundreds of examples for different global, cultural and ethical issues in a healthcare setting. But as a health care professional we should always be equal towards all the clients and should be lenient to accept there cultural modalities without affecting the treatment modalities. ?