We all speak about the cultural heritage while promoting our countries as popular destinations ,but from a patient’s perspective we should be well aware of cultural safety , as this is one of the most important aspects of medical tourism and in direct and indirect ways, can affect medical tourism business.
Cultural safety : The concept of Cultural safety was introduced by a nurse named Irihapeti Ramsden , a maori nurse. The concept became popular subsequent to deterioration of health care status of Maori community .The reason was under utilization of healthcare provided due to cultural difference. Though initially cultural safety was confined to nursing practices , over a period of time the concept has gained importance in other sectors also and has been given importance. The two aspects of cultural safety are like a double-edged sword. and deviation creates loss to both provider and the healthcare seeker.
In this context the hospitals should be very careful about this aspect and take necessary action along with educating all healthcare workers. Medical Tourism consultants may like this while conceptualizing a framework and should stress on this.Patients should be educated to know their rights to demand .
In this regard a few questions arise
- Do you feel the providers are aware of cultural safety in developing countries ?
- Is there a need of incorporation of cultural safety in medical tourism and provider set ups ?
- Are the stake holders of Medical Tourism ( top to toe , and laterally) aware about the importance of medical tourism
- Are accredited hospitals vouching for the patient safety practicing cultural safety ?
- Is holistic healthcare provision important ?
- Would the practice of cultural safety bring any difference ?
- Should all the healthcare workers be trained in Cultural safety
Please feel free to drop your comments.
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