Below are sample outlines from two of my more popular general workshops. For outlines from other workshops, contact me directly.

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(1-2 hours)


Description
An introduction to the kinds of cultural differences that can cause conflicts and misunderstandings between health care providers and hospital patients. Presentation focuses on a variety of major cultural groups, including Asians, Hispanics, and Middle Easterners and suggests how to provide culturally appropriate care.

Objectives
At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1) discuss the significance of lack of eye contact in different cultures;
2) identify which cultures are likely to be expressive and which stoic;
3) discuss the cultural aspects of self-care;
4) identify the medical beliefs/practices of cultures as they differ from "traditional" Western beliefs/practices;
5) identify how these differences may cause breakdowns in the delivery of health care services;
6) identify practical/efficient ways to reduce misunderstandings.

Outline

I. Communication Issues

A. Gestures
B. Eye contact
C. Language
D. Response to pain

II. The Family

A. Self-care
B. Sex roles
C. The diagnosis -- to tell or not to tell?

III. Beliefs

A. Numbers
B. Astrology
C. Candles

IV. Folk Medicine

A. Coin rubbing
B. Cupping
C. Treatment for fever
D. Combining traditional and modern practices

Suggested Readings

Galanti, G. (1997) Caring for Patients from Different Cultures, 2nd edition. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Lipson, J., Dibble, S., and P. Minarik, eds. (1996) Culture and Nursing Care. San Francisco: UCSF Nursing Press.

Spector, R. (1991) Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness. San Mateo, CA: Appleton & Lange.

The Western Journal of Medicine, 1983 Vol. 139 (6): 773-988.

The Western Journal of Medicine, 1992 Vol. 157 (3): 213-390.

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(Full-day, highly interactive program)

Description
The workshop is a highly interactive program which guides the participants to understanding the kinds of cultural differences that can cause conflicts and misunderstandings among health care personnel and hospital patients. The program focuses on Anglo-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, African Americans and Middle Easterners. It emphasizes understanding peoples' behavior and avoiding conflicts and misunderstandings through knowledge of their cultural values, family structure, healthcare beliefs & practices, religious beliefs, diet, language & communication processes, and psychosocial interactions.

Objectives
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1) identify the healthcare beliefs/practices of various cultures as they differ from "traditional" Western beliefs/practices;

2) identify cultural patterns of family structure, diet, communication, religion, and values as they differ from dominant culture patterns;

3) identify how these differences may cause breakdowns in the delivery of health care services;

4) identify practical/efficient ways to reduce misunderstandings

Morning Program

Introduction to Cultural Diversity
• Ice breaker activity: Cultural "scavenger hunt"
• Cultural attitudes "quiz"
• Stereotype vs. generalization
• Identifying diversity-based problems

Topic: Communication
• Activity: Cultural Communication ­ role playing exercise

Topic: Values
• Activity: Examining Your Own Culture exercise

Topics: World view, Time orientation, Social structure
• Lecture/Discussion


Afternoon Program

Video: Patient Diversity
• Discussion of issues raised

Topic: Dealing with Diversity
• Activity: Case Studies -- role playing exercise
• Activity: Solving diversity-based problems (from morning)

Wrap-up and Review
• Discussion of cultural attitudes quiz
• Do's and Don'ts

Optional Additions
Workshop can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group by emphasizing any of the following topics:

• Diet
• Other ethnic groups
• Religious groups
• Staff issues
or any of the other specific topics listed under Topics

I can also include a 15 minute exercise break, if desired.

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