Cultural Competence in Healthcare: A Case Study Analysis Using the Purnell Model
Healthcare professionals increasingly encounter diverse patient populations, necessitating cultural competence for effective care delivery. This paper examines a significant cross-cultural healthcare interaction through the lens of the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence, emphasizing the critical role of communication in transcultural nursing care.
Case Presentation and Analysis
The healthcare encounter involved an elderly couple from different cultural backgrounds – an 86-year-old Spanish-speaking male patient admitted with a left hemorrhagic stroke and right-sided weakness, accompanied by his 83-year-old Asian wife who spoke fluent Spanish but limited English. The language barrier presented significant challenges during the admission process and subsequent care delivery.
Several strategies facilitated effective communication and cultural accommodation:
Implementation of professional medical interpretation services through the hospital’s dedicated communication system
Utilization of non-verbal communication techniques, particularly positive facial expressions
Application of slow, clear speech patterns
Demonstration of patience and cultural sensitivity
Application of the Purnell Model
The Purnell Model for Cultural Competence proved invaluable in this cross-cultural encounter. Among its twelve domains, communication emerged as the most crucial element for several reasons:
Communication serves as the foundation for establishing trust
Accurate medical information exchange depends on effective communication
Cultural nuances and preferences become apparent through proper communication channels
Patient satisfaction and outcomes correlate strongly with communication quality
Future Applications
Healthcare providers should consider these recommendations for similar cultural encounters:
Establish institutional protocols for accessing professional medical interpreters
Develop staff training programs focusing on cross-cultural communication
Create standardized assessment tools incorporating cultural competence elements
Maintain updated resources for various cultural and linguistic needs
References
Cai, D. Y. (2021). A concept analysis of cultural competence. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 8(3), 337-343.
Henderson, S., & Kendall, E. (2019). Culturally and linguistically diverse peoples’ knowledge of accessibility and utilisation of health services. Health & Social Care in the Community, 27(4), 1004-1019.
Marion, L., Douglas, M., Lavin, M. A., Barr, N., Gazaway, S., Thomas, E., & Bickford, C. (2020). Implementing the new ANA standard 8: Culturally congruent practice. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 22(1).
Singleton, K. W., & Krause, E. M. (2023). Cultural competence in healthcare: Current trends and future directions. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 34(1), 23-31.
