The Need for Cultural Inclusivity in Global Palliative Nursing

Abstract

It is estimated that 11.1 million people in the United States are living with serious illness, and most people with serious illness need palliative care. Quality palliative care incorporates culturally sensitive care, and with the increasing diversity in the United States, it has become even more critical that nurses and health care professionals be prepared to meet the unique needs of those living within the diverse and underserved populations of this country. Advocating for access to palliative care for the seriously ill, culturally respectful care at the end of life, and honoring values, practices, and beliefs are essential roles of the nurse. This article presents 4 examples of individuals from diverse and potentially vulnerable US populations who face unique challenges as they deal with their life-limiting diseases and face end of life.

Promoting Health Equity

“…Culture is the way people find meaning and purpose in life, as well as reason with life's events. Culture influences health behaviors and the meaning of illness, death, dying, and bereavement 14-17 …”

“…To provide more culturally congruent care, one must first identify one's own cultural assumptions, values, practices, beliefs, and implicit biases and how they impact one's work 17,18 …”

“…Of course, a more in depth cultural history is essential. Normalizing culture in health may include reminding patients that it is common for people to find strength in their spiritual and religious beliefs 17 Table 5. offers questions to assess culture.…”

“…Culture influences health behaviors and the meaning of illness, death, dying, and bereavement. [14][15][16][17] To provide more culturally congruent care, one must first identify one's own cultural assumptions, values, practices, beliefs, and implicit biases and how they impact one's work. 17,18 Specifically, this includes understanding the culture one was raised in and how it affects one's perspective.…”

“…[14][15][16][17] To provide more culturally congruent care, one must first identify one's own cultural assumptions, values, practices, beliefs, and implicit biases and how they impact one's work. 17,18 Specifically, this includes understanding the culture one was raised in and how it affects one's perspective. 19 Although there are many resources on this, a few self-reflection questions can provide some perspective on one's perceptions (Table 3).…”