Culturally Diverse Patients

Diverse Patient Populations in Psychiatry: Ethical and Clinical Issues

“…Moreover, making assumptions about her fitting into any sort of prototypical script of a patient struggling to reconcile her Mexican identity while living in the United States would be unwarranted. Nevertheless, when indicated, psychiatrists can play an important role in identifying and resolving such conflicts (3). A culturally competent, open-minded approach allows physicians to engage in self-evaluation in their approach to patients of different backgrounds and to appreciate each person both as an individual and as part of a larger social group.…”

“…The DSM-5 defines culture as "systems of knowledge, concepts, rules, and practices that are learned and transmitted across generations" (2). Cultural competency is an example of a professional standard of clinical care for patients such that they are provided with "effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services" with respect to their culture (3). A culturally competent physician appreciates how cultural diversity shapes the experience of illness, the doctorpatient relationship, and ultimately the health care system (4).…”

“…When patients feel that their caregiver is culturally competent, they are more likely to follow up with provider recommendations and engage in the health care system. These behaviors, in turn, are associated with improved health outcomes for these patients (3).…”