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The provision of quality health care services is not just a matter of diagnosis and medical treatment of the patient. Instead, a number of factors play a central role in determining the successful handling of a client in the field of medicine (Jarvis, 2008). There are major stages in the nursing process and one determines the success of the next. The nursing process starts with assessment, diagnosis, followed by the development of a plan, implementing the plan, and then evaluating the outcome. Assessment, being the first phase, is therefore very crucial in the nursing process. The essay discusses the impact of socio-cultural issues on thorough health assessment.
The primary purpose of health assessment is the collection of both subjective and objective information in order to determine the client’s general functioning level which in turn facilitates professional judgment of the condition. This process involves the collection of psychological, physiological, socio-cultural, spiritual, and developmental information of a client (Issel, 2009). It implies that the treatment of patients calls for a consideration of a ray of factors that contribute positively towards effective treatment. The socio-cultural factors, according to research, have been known to influence the interpretation of disease onset, the probable course of illness, the ease with which treatment is accepted, retention of patients, as well as treatment outcomes (Carter, 2003).
Socio-cultural factors influence the behavior of patients and family members such that nurses and doctors cannot afford to ignore the central role that these factors play as far as treatment is concerned. Researchers are yet to come up with concrete conclusions concerning the role of social and cultural beliefs in treatment. However, medical professionals have made attempts to identify those aspects of patient and family reactions that are mostly culturally motivated. This has helped in the development of recommendations that are culturally sensitive, appropriate interventions, and enhancement of the relationship between patients and healthcare providers (Jarvis, 2008).
Treatment options adopted by the medical professionals after assessment have been found to be greatly influenced by cultural assumptions, expectations, and biased perceptions and interpretations. Further findings reveal that health assessment is greatly socio-cultural-dependent. The need to identify specific requirements of the client, therefore, should take socio-cultural factors into consideration. The proposed plan of care should highlight how the socio-cultural orientation of the patient will be addressed so as to make the plan acceptable (Carter, 2003). In the US, there is a controversial issue in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, particularly among blacks and Asians. It is most likely for blacks to be diagnosed with psychosis, a case that has stirred debate around medical circles. Ignoring the role of socio-cultural influences on health assessment and subsequent treatment may be detrimental to the clients due to possible misdiagnosis (Issel, 2009). This implies that socio-cultural factors influence the conclusions and recommendations made by medical professionals like nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists.
On the other hand, socio-cultural factors have been known to influence the response from the clients and family members. Cultural factors, according to research, are the causes of delays in seeking healthcare services. For instance, patients suffering from psychotic disorders have been reluctant due to the beliefs, values, and expectations among the community, family members, and even clients themselves (Wong, 2007). Epidemiological researchers have found that delays in seeking help especially for those with mental illnesses often lead to poor response to treatment. Even after seeking medical attention, socio-cultural factors influence the level of interaction between the client and the professional caregiver. If the barriers are not adequately addressed, it would be utterly impossible to conduct a thorough health assessment.
The essay has discussed how socio-cultural factors can influence health assessment. It is evident that this cuts across the board in that both the health care providers as well the clients and their family/community members are all affected by this problem. Therefore, any effort to conduct a thorough health assessment should consider the role of socio-cultural factors.
References
Carter, J. H. (2003). Socio-cultural factors and psychiatric assessment across cultures: A case study. Journal of the National Medical Association, 75 (8): 818-823
Issel, M. L. (2009). Health program planning and evaluation: a systematic guide (2nd ed). Jones & Bartlett Learning
Jarvis, C. (2008). Physical examination and health assessment (5th ed). St. Louis: W.B. Saunders Co.
Wong, D. (2007). Socio-cultural factors influencing health assessment among psychotic patients. Journal of Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 31: 57-71
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