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My Take Away

If you ever want to know where you lack in cultural competency, I highly recommend taking the Providers Guide to Quality and Culture Quiz. 

Here I thought I was on the right track but it turns out I have a lot of room to grow. Which is a good thing. Because it only means I'll be more of an asset and an ally to those who need it most. 

 Based on my results of the quiz, and upon reviewing the course competencies I have set three learning goals for myself. 

 1. Keep the patient cultural views in mind FIRST. * Often I approach a difference on my terms first (dominant culture), and then adjust from there. I think an approach that takes into an account of the patients cultural terms first, would be more beneficial. Once I know more about their cultural outlook on the exam, I can do a better job of changing my techniques to serve them.

 2. Do more independent study and observing of other cultures. *I am a white suburban mom. I know very little about other cultures, unfortunately. I live in a heavily Hispanic area. I have a Hispanic husband. But I know very little about the prevalent Hmong culture and Somali culture as well. 

 3. Recognize that sometimes other cultures prefer their family to be involved, and learn why this is a source of comfort for them. *With HIPAA and data privacy so drilled into our heads, it's hard for healthcare providers to understand that sometimes our patients may WANT others in the room. I'm the first to kick everyone out during a mammogram, but I need to be aware that some cultures prefer to have family with, or even their husbands - with is very frowned upon in mammography. 
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