Cultural Considerations for Psychologists in Primary Care

Abstract

Many health concerns in the United States (e.g., diabetes) are routinely managed in primary care settings. Regardless of the medical condition, patients' health is directly influenced by factors such as healthcare providers and cultural background. Training related to how behaviors influence health, coupled with training on how cultural diversity intersects with mental health, allows psychologists to have the relevant expertise to assist in the development of primary care behavioral health interventions. However, many psychologists in primary care struggle with how to integrate a culture-centered paradigm into their roles as behavioral health providers. This paper provides an introduction on how three culture-centered concepts (providers' cultural sensitivity, patient-provider cultural congruency, and patients' health literacy) can be applied in primary care using the Five A's Organizational Construct and a model of cultural competence. In addition, the paper includes a section on integration of cultural considerations into consultation and training and concludes with a discussion of how the three culture-centered concepts have implications for health equity.

Cultural Considerations in Fahr's Syndrome: A Case Report

“…10,11 Health care professionals should seek to address the gap between cultural competence and clinical practice, especially with regard to language barriers, which also serve to assist the clinician in gaining better insight into the social determinants of health in the context of each patient. 5,12 These barriers have been linked to misattribution of psychiatric symptoms, diagnoses, gaps in communication during patient interviews, and quality of care when present. 13,14 Cultural considerations in psychiatry, a challenging paradigm to put into practice, can significantly influence neuropsychiatric diagnoses and patient care.…”

“…Actually, the use of interpreter services in interactions with patients with language barriers contributes to increased patient satisfaction and overall improved patient care 10,11 . Health care professionals should seek to address the gap between cultural competence and clinical practice, especially with regard to language barriers, which also serve to assist the clinician in gaining better insight into the social determinants of health in the context of each patient 5,12 . These barriers have been linked to misattribution of psychiatric symptoms, diagnoses, gaps in communication during patient interviews, and quality of care when present 13,14 …”

The Role of the Patient-Centered Medical Home in Treating Depression

“…The primary care population includes patients from diverse backgrounds. There is a budding literature on the cultural considerations for behavioral healthcare providers practicing in such settings, which includes cultural case formulations, culturally informed interventions, and effective use of interpreters [ 80 ]. While all aspects of diversity are important, there has been a recent focus on expanding primary care services to rural populations.…”

Cross-Cultural Comparative Analysis of National Cultural Psychology and Food Custom

“…Diet custom is also an important medium to spread the traditional culture of all ethnic groups, which is conducive to enhancing the cultural soft power of all ethnic groups and expanding their influence. Once these diet recipes and habits become popular, different regions and nationalities have formed their own unique diet custom culture [5][6]. Cultural communication is an indispensable condition for social civilization and development, and diet custom is an indispensable part of national culture.…”