Cultural Competency

Cultual Competency is a set of attitudes, congruent behaviors, and policies that come together in an agency, in a system, or among professionals, enabling effective interactions in a cross-cultural or multicultural environment

Becoming Culturally Competent

To become cultually competent you must:

•Gain knowledge of other cultures.

•Be willing to engage other cultures.

•Become an excellent multicultural communicator.

•Recognize the value of empathy and practice it.

•Help others understand the value of multiculturalism.

 

Communication Is Critical to Success

"If there were one aspect of healthcare delivery an organization could work on that would have the greatest impact on patient safety, it would be improving the effectiveness of communication on all levels—written, oral and electronic.""

 

Communication Essentials

There are several things that are essential when communicating with your patient.

Patient care communication must be patient-focused. You need to explain and discuss what you are going to while the patient is in your care in a way that he/she understands.

Communication needs to be accurate and timely.

Always remember to consider communication and relating with patient's family and visitors. Many times, a patient will have someone with him, so you need to communicate with everyone.

As a technologist, communicate within your Scope of Practice. It is not in your scope of practice to give any type of results or treatment recommendations.

 

Common Patient Types

You will encounter many types of patients who are dealing with different circumstances. Some that you need to be aware of are:

•Seriously Ill and Traumatized Patients

•Visually Impaired Patients

•Speech- and Hearing-Impaired Patients

•Non–English-Speaking Patients

•Mentally Impaired Patients

•Substance Abusers

 

Mobile and Surgical Patient Communication

These unique patient care environments require special patient communication considerations. The patient will not be in the x-ray department, so they may not be aware that you are there for imaging purposes.

Begin by calling the patient's name, identifying yourself to the patient, and explaining the procedure. It is always important to explain the exam to the patient and to give him/her the opportunity to ask questions.