MedEdPORTAL (May 2009)
Cultural Sensitivity in OB/GYN: The Ultimate Patient-Centered Care
Abstract
Abstract This is a PowerPoint presentation with accompanying speaker notes suitable for health care learners at nearly any level of training. Target learners include medical, nursing, or physician assistant students, physicians, nurses, and midlevel practitioners. The resource is designed to be used in an interactive style with learner participation. Practical suggestions are included to assist in the total assessment of a patient, with emphasis on language barriers and cultural barriers. Varied simple clinical vignettes allow learners to explore how cultural differences can impact care in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The resource stresses the need for cultural sensitivity versus cultural stereotyping. Culturally sensitive care allows the patient to more fully partner with the provider in achieving better health. The resource has been utilized eight times per year for the last 2 years as part of the OB/GYN clinical clerkship at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. During this time, it has undergone significant revision based on learner feedback. Learners have indicated that this was a topic that otherwise did not receive much emphasis in the course of the M3 year. The resource works best in smaller interactive sessions but can be used with a larger group. Especially with the cases, facilitators should try to get the audience members thinking and volunteering their thoughts before giving the answer for a particular case because the learners usually come up with great ideas. In discussion of the cases, generalizations may be presented; however, it is vitally important to stress the need to approach each patient as an individual and avoid stereotyping. There is easily an hour's worth of material in this presentation, which can be tailored to learners' needs. Many references are from Galanti's Caring for Patients From Different Cultures (4th ed., 2008.)
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