Native American Traditional Drum

Once barriers have been identified, solutions need to be instituted. The overall goal is not to denigrate the patient's cultural background but to redirect those same culturally based behaviors, attitudes and values toward the improvement of an individual's health. The development of a diagnosis includes discovering and understanding beliefs, motives, attitudes, values, life management skills, and environmental factors. A treatment plan that overcomes the cultural barriers can then be developed in conjunction with the patient, family, and sometimes other community members (Katz, 481). When the provider attempts to incorporate the areas of importance to the patient in the treatment plan, the patient and the family will have a greater likelihood to comply with the treatment.

A culturally sensitive health care system is one that is not only accessible, but also respects the beliefs, attitudes and cultural lifestyles of its patients. It is a system that is flexible - one that acknowledges that health and illness are in large part molded by variables such as ethnic values, cultural orientation, religious beliefs, and linguistic considerations. It is a system that is sensitive to intragroup variations in beliefs and behaviors and avoids labeling and stereotyping (Pachter, 692). If these concepts are incorporated into the daily routine of each member of the health care team, it is logical to assume that patients cared for by that team will feel he or she has received quality health care. That patient will recognize that the health care team members truly cared for the patient as a person, taking into consideration every facet of the person and the problem.