Leininger’s Cultural care theory is centrally focused on ‘care’ as being the theme in the nursing. This approach addresses the role that cultural and cares knowledge plays in trying to understand the differences which are present as far as patient care is concerned. By nurses having proper knowledge on how to properly incorporate healing and wellness and complying with any challenges that they are likely to face in the process, they will be better placed to address patient needs satisfactorily. Leininger’s Transcultural theory focuses on addressing the beliefs, values, and the practices that individuals involved in the care provision process are supposed to adhere to (Alligood, 2014). The objective of carrying out this exercise is to improve the health status of the patient by boosting their well being as well as preventing them from contracting illnesses in a culturally acceptable environment. This nursing model requires the application of both the professional nursing and general knowledge which will fit well into the nursing care objectives and activities.
This nursing model works perfectly well with the patient-centered care which takes into consideration the need for having healthcare workers and patients working as equal partners in the planning and monitoring of care for the patient’s needs to be adequately addressed. As such, similarly to the transcultural nursing model proposed by Leininger, it is imperative that care providers be on the forefront in making sure that the desires, values, social circumstances, family values and lifestyles of patients are accorded the required attention (Alligood, 2014). Additionally, it is important that the patient is viewed as an essential component in their care process. From the preceding, therefore, cultural competence in the field of nursing is an extension of the patient-centered care component.
The article ‘Delivering Patient-Centered Care in the Midst of a Cultural Conflict: The Role of Cultural Competence’ provides a guideline on how nurses are supposed to take care of patients whenever they find themselves entangled in a cultural conflict. According to Campinha-Bacote (2011), there is the need for nurses to develop a particular set of skills which will be essential in the process of providing patient-centered care. These skills are the ones which make up the cultural competence domain. He further posits that nurses are supposed to interact with patients coming from diverse cultural backgrounds as a way of validating, refining of carrying out modifications on any existing cultural values and beliefs as a way of taking care of any challenges faced by such individuals.
The article suggests a mnemonic guideline on how nurses are supposed to roll out the change in the care provision process whenever they are presented with a culturally challenging situation. The LEARN model of care which in full stands for L- Listen, E- Explain, A- Acknowledge, R- Recommend, N- Negotiate provides a method through which a nurse on the medical, surgical floor may utilize in trying to give care to the patients (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). First, it is imperative that the nurse listens to the perception of the patient’s concerning their ailments and whether or not they will require being operated on. Secondly, the care provider needs to explain to the patient their perception concerning the necessary procedure regarding whether it is culturally, spiritually, psychologically or physiologically fine. These two processes will, therefore, provide leverage regarding recommendations regarding the operational procedure since room for acknowledgment of the patient’s cultural beliefs concerning surgical procedures will have been addressed. The recommendations phase must take into account the feelings and perceptions of the patient concerning the process and the use of anesthesia (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). Finally, the care provider has to negotiate with the patient on the most appropriate treatment and post-operative care which are patient and culturally centered.
References
Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering patient-centered care in the midst of a cultural conflict: The role of cultural competence. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(2).
