Paper
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
This presentation is part of : End-of-Life Models and Studies
Creating a Model of Cultural and Ethical Competence in End-of-Life Care
Debbie Nogueras, PhD, ARNP, BC, Nursing Administration/ Patient Services, South Miami Hospital, FL, USA and Susan Golembesky, PhD, RN, Baptisth Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA.
Learning Objective #1: Identify the five principles of cultural and ethically competent end-of-life care.
Learning Objective #2: Identify the three basic dimensions in end-of-life treatment that vary culturally (communication, locus of decision making and attitudes).
The Model of Cultural and Ethical Competency in End-of-Life Care evolved out of a project to identify and validate a need for a training program designed to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge, skills, ability and comfort level in providing end-of-life care to intercultural diverse populations. The provision of better end-of-life experiences for patients and their families is critical during these difficult and challenging times.
The model was created to facilitate consideration of hospital-based Palliative Care Teams and the training healthcare providers to meet patient and family needs where they are in terms of their cultural beliefs and values in end-of-life issues.
 
Using the Five Principles of Palliative Care (RWJ, 2002) and three basic dimensions in end-of-life care (Searight & Gafford, 2005) as a foundation, the model incorporates evidence-based practice with culturally relevant and competent care using the principals of universality and individuality as a foundation building on intercultural diversity. Culture is defined as “broad spectrum of society transmitted factors” specific for racial and ethnic traditions, morals, values, and customs (CPCE, n.d.). Through respecting the goals, likes, choices, medical, social, spiritual and other needs of the patient and family members; access to competent and insightful healthcare providers and appropriate care settings will build ways to provide excellent care at the end of life.
Healthcare providers are challenged by “tremendous diversity within specific ethnic minority groups” (Searight & Gafford, 2005). With this in mind, it is clear that all members of the healthcare team need to become more knowledgeable about the cultural norms and differences of the patients in their community in order to communicate and effectuate competent, quality end-of-life care. This model provides a means to that end and lays the foundation for improved education and ability in this an ever-changing world.

See more of End-of-Life Models and Studies
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)