I currently do not possess the knowledge and skills to effectively adapt my personal

behaviour and procedural approach to different ethnicities whom have diverse morals and
beliefs in healthcare.

The real problem in regards to this concern is my limited exposure to diverse ethnicities and
not having a practical understanding of how and why healthcare attitudes and beliefs vary. I
have a theoretical understanding due to online resources however, in order to apply the
suggested techniques professionally, an element of real practice is required to ensure
mannerisms are compliant with expectations. I do have the skills and confidence to address
this concern and seek the practical help required.

The information and feedback I need to further my skills can be gained through
communication with fellow chiropractic students of different ethnicity (Indigenous
Australians, Brazilian and Korean). These students have been victims of racism and
marginalization in society due to differences in beliefs and values and are therefore,
considered trustworthy sources.

A team approach would be advantageous as other peer students and lecturers may have
more experience in this field and be willing to share their skills and acquired knowledge.
Recruiting fellow students of different ethnicities into my management team would also
provide honest feedback on my adapted skills and approaches knowing that my intentions
are not to be offensive if portrayed poorly.

This renewed approach will result in a positive outcome as I am approaching the situation
with an open mind and a high level of motivation. Literature highlights the magnitude of
difference between cultures and the varying cultural definition of “healthy”. One piece of
literature states that, “There are some physical and mental illnesses that are unique to
particular cultures and are influenced directly by cultural belief systems and other cultural
factors” (Vaughn et al, 2009, p.66). This highlights that health care professionals must be
aware of these differences in beliefs and change their approach and advice to be respectful.
For example, the literature states that, “In some cultures, being tout and plump is
associated with good health and prosperity…” (Vaughn et al, 2009, p.66). This belief is not
promoted within Western society highlighting that awareness education and training is
required. This concept is also described in another journal stating that, “For many people in
African countries, various forms of health care are utilised for the treatment of illness. This
pluralistic nature of health seeking includes the use of indigenous, faith and allopathic
medicines for care” (Kpobi et al, 2019). Evidently, healthcare professionals must alter
treatment approaches to achieve their specific goals remaining within culturally accepted
boundaries.

By creating a management team with students of different ethnicities, I will be able to

practice first-hand my theoretical methods of altering my technique with respect to
differing beliefs. This renewed approach in respect to “real life” practice will accurately
prepare me for my future in healthcare as a respectful, non-biased and understanding
practitioner.
 References

Kpobi, L. & Swartz, L. (2019). Indigenous and faith healing for mental health in ghana: An

examination of the literature on reported beliefs, practices and use of alternative mental

health care in ghana. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 11(1).

doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v11i1.1941

Vaughn, L., Jacquez, F. & Baker, R. (2009). Cultural health attributions, beliefs, and practices:

Effects on healthcare and medical education. The Open Medical Education Journal, (2),

64-74. Retrieved from:

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/33fa/8f655bbb2b64b68916686ab20b5a21c66a9c.pdf