ANSWER
Discussion Post
As An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the Psychiatric Mental Health field, I am aware of cultural disparities when it comes to mental health care. There are many factors that can contribute to these inequalities, such as stigma related to mental illness, lack of access to quality care and services, language barriers, low-income levels, or lack of resources and knowledge (Handtke et al., 2019). Because people from different cultures often have different beliefs about mental health issues which can vary greatly between ethnicities, religions, or countries periods; this creates a complex web that makes the provision of culturally competent healthcare more difficult.
I believe that as an APN in this field, it is important for me to be mindful of cultural disputes within my practice setting and understand clients’ needs at a much deeper level. This includes allowing adequate time for individualized assessments for each client with regard to their unique pre-disposed values and making sure that cultural diversity plays a prominent role during every interaction with patients (Handtke et al., 2019). Providing culturally sensitive treatment plans- tailored towards each client individually will create a trusting therapeutic relationship based on empathy and understanding rather than judgment. Also, adequate interpretation assistance provided should also be available when needed so communication barriers are addressed in order for proper psychotherapy services to be rendered without prejudice.
In addition, working closely with other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to provide holistic, culturally, and linguistically appropriate interventions is also a key consideration in optimizing the mental well-being of all my patients. Education surrounding mental health plays an important role, too, not only by providing popular awareness but developing programs that target the cultural issues that come with various societies in order to diminish the stigma associated with it and build confidence around seeking treatment (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). Finally, finding ways where I can contribute to breaking down stigma related to mental illness and educating others about its importance in terms of overall well-being will serve as one of many tools I can use as an Advanced Practice Nurse looking out for the best interests of my patients while taking into account any diverse culture backgrounds they bring.
References
Handtke, O., Schilgen, B., & Mösko, M. (2019). Culturally competent healthcare–A scoping review of strategies implemented in healthcare organizations and a model of culturally competent healthcare provision. PloS one, 14(7), e0219971.
Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural competence and ethnic diversity in healthcare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(5).
QUESTION
Discuss any cultural disparity in health care that you have learned about in this course and that you believe as an APN can impact in practice.
the cultural disparity that I’ve learned about in the course was mental health. Can you also explain how this will impact me as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Thanks