Most hospitals and other medical facilities offer both translators and documents in a variety of languages. Translators, although necessary, may add another layer of uncertainty to the communication between heath care provider and patient. Both verbal and non-verbal listening skills are necessary. .
A recent study of all US and Canadian medical schools, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that only 8% of US medical schools and none in Canada teach a separate course on cultural issues; and such training is less available today than it was ten years ago. The training of other health care professionals is no better. (Tanenbaum center for interreligious understanding).
Religion is an important part in the lives of many different cultures. Clergy should be allowed to participate when appropriate. Privacy for prayer is important for most.
One major issue for a variety of cultures and/or religious beliefs is the issue of blood testing and/or infusions. Vietnamese and other Asian patients may refuse to have blood drawn for testing, and may be unwilling to receive transfusions, even if their lives depend on it. Their beliefs are such; they believe the blood holds the route to the soul. So receiving blood from another or giving blood is an avenue to receive another spirit or loose their own. .
From a religious perspective, a lot of healthcare providers have strong moral difficulties with the Jehovah's Witness. They also refuse any form of treatment involving the exchange of one's blood. .
The question is, does any one group have the right to super impose their values and beliefs over another? If healthcare providers are serious about their desire to provide the best possible care for all, they must educate themselves and become culturally competent.
Caring for culturally diverse patients is difficult because of the variety of cultures healthcare providers encounter.