Each culture has its own verbal and written language for communication. An effective communication strategy begins with understanding the patient as communicating across cultures can be challenging and difficult. Cultural competency is extremely important, so as a health care worker i need to be aware of: cultural diversity, life situations, and other various factors that contribute to an individuals identity.
It is important that as a Physiotherapist to have the ability to interact effectively with individuals of different cultures. When working in a clinic, i may require help from an interpreter. An interpreter will allow me to understand a patient that speaks limited English. This will help contribute to resolving communication barriers with different cultural backgrounds. By incorporating multicultural health in my practice, i’ll be able to decrease health inequalities and reduce barriers.
Image 1: Policy Directive (Screenshot): NSW Health Policy & Implementation for culturally diverse communities 2012-2016
File Link: http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2012_020.pdf
When exploring the internet, I discovered a health related policy for communicating with different cultures that can be used in my future profession. NSW Health Policy & Implementation Plan for Culturally Diverse Communities 2012-2016 is an implementation plan that resembles state level policy requirements and programs for different cultures. This policy that is undertaken by health professionals is a state-wide strategy for improving the well-being of NSW residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. As a studying to be health professional, this documentation can be effectively used in communicating to diversed cultures.
Communication in Physiotherapy 