Work

The importance of language and culture in pediatric care: Case studies from the Latino community

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined culture's effect on pediatric care. OBJECTIVES: To analyze 3 cases illustrating the importance of culture in pediatrics. METHODS: Case analysis with a cultural competency model. RESULTS: No interpreter was available for the parents of a 3-year-old brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain; she was discharged twice, returned with an acute abdomen, and was hospitalized for treatment of appendiceal rupture and peritonitis. A 2-year-old fractured her clavicle in a fall but was placed in social services' custody because of a pediatrician's misinterpretation. Parents of a ventilation-dependent 2-week-old with encephalopathy, seizures, and renal failure were unaware of the infant's poor prognosis, despite use of an interpreter. CONCLUSIONS: Culture can have a significant impact on pediatric care; use of a simple model can ensure that pediatricians provide culturally competent care.

Source: The Journal of Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1067/mpd.2000.109150

Authors: Glenn Flores, Milagros Abreu, Ilan Schwartz, Maria Hill

Institutions: Boston University, Boston Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Competency in Health Care

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,570