Since the publication of Fadiman’s book, healthcare institutions have gone to great lengths to alleviate communication barriers that result from cultural differences, including staffing healthcare interpreters, ensuring signs are in multiple languages, and mandating training in cultural literacy for individuals who deal directly with patients. Some healthcare institutions have gone a step further and created cultural snapshots like this onePreview the document. Contemporary philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah argues that respecting the culture, religion, and other unique traits of individuals is crucial since they are linked with a person’s identity:
Kwame Anthony Appiah on the Ethics of Diversity (Links to an external site.)
Kwame Anthony Appiah on the Ethics of Diversity.
Using examples from Fadiman’s book, explain why respecting cultural diversity is important in healthcare. What are some other ways in which healthcare institutions can overcome cultural barriers to ensure all individuals are respected regardless of their culture?
