An overview on Vietnamese medicine Essay

CultureVision's section on Vietnamese health promotion discusses two primary aspects familiarity with health promotion activities, and screenings and vaccinations (2016). Traditional Vietnamese medicine stresses the importance of positive health behaviors through diet and "avoiding excess" (CultureVision, 2016). The Western concept of health promotion, including regular check-ups and screenings, is not an aspect of the traditional Vietnamese health system instead, Vietnamese patients seek care when symptoms are present, and otherwise do not see the need for regular care (CultureVision, 2016). Vietnamese Americans have health screening rates well below the national average, and due to this, cervical and breast cancer rates are higher. Vietnamese Americans face multiple barriers to care including non-proficient English language use and poor education, a lack of knowledge, and beliefs regarding the appropriateness of utilizing gynecological services by unmarried women. The Vietnamese American patient may also fear potentially painful procedures, and experience embarrassment with physical exams (CultureVision, 2016).
In order to provide culturally competent care, it is important for the nurse to customize interventions for the individual patient. One method of intervention for a Vietnamese American patient is for the nurse to recognize language barriers and arrange for interpreter services as needed. The nurse should also inform any patient with limited English skills that interpreter services are available in healthcare settings. Another nursing intervention utilized in providing care to the Vietnamese American is to address knowledge deficits regarding health screening activities. The nurse should provide written materials in the patient's preferred language (English, Vietnamese, or both), and make sure to employ the teach-back method of evaluation, to ensure that the patient understands the information. Nurses can also incorporate multiple types of educational materials, including written materials, videos in Vietnamese, demonstrations, and the use of three-dimensional models. A final method of tailoring nursing care for the Vietnamese patient involves addressing cultural concerns about the appropriateness of visiting a gynecologist as a young, unmarried woman. Using a non-judgmental manner, the nurse should explain the importance of the Pap test for cervical cancer, and assure the young Vietnamese American patient that a gynecological exam does not threaten virginity. It also may be appropriate to include the young woman's mother or father in the discussion, and explain that a female practitioner can perform the examination.
Given the incredible diversity of cultures in the United States, it is important that the nurse provide culturally sensitive care to each patient that care should be tailored both to the culture and the individual. Vietnamese Americans are one cultural group that a nurse may encounter in his or her practice. Considering the abnormally high cervical and breast cancer rates among Vietnamese Americans, one focus of care should be related to health promotion activities, such as health screenings. A culturally sensitive nurse should utilize interpreters when needed, address knowledge deficits regarding health promotion, and address cultural beliefs regarding appropriate care. Armed with a basic knowledge of the culture, the nurse can provide appropriate care for the individual, and can have a large impact on patient satisfaction and health outcomes.