Health Diversity Questions Diversity What Is Diversity?

Health

Diversity

Diversity questions

Diversity

What is diversity?

Diversity refers to the differences that occur among people and groups which should be taken into account in the healthcare setting. In the healthcare environment diversity and the recognition of diversity is an extremely important concept as it deals with recognizing the needs and requirements of the individual, as well as the needs and requirements of different groups. Furthermore, diversity is seen in a positive light in the healthcare context, as understanding diversity means that the healthcare professional is in a better position to understand the needs of the patient and to improve the treatment of people from different groups or areas of society.

Discuss and give examples of how people are diverse.

People can be diverse in various ways. One could refer to gender differences, as well as cultural and ethnic diversities. Understanding these differences becomes important in dealing with specific problems. One can also talk about differences in terms of language and lifestyle. For example, the way that one communicates with a female patient will often differ in some respects to that of a male patient. Different cultural traits require different approaches and the radiographer should also be aware of differences in terms of socio-economic status and religious ideas and affiliations.

3. How do diversity issues affect patient care in radiography? Give examples.

In radiography as well as in many other areas of healthcare, knowledge and understanding of diverse population groups is extremely important. The radiographer and radiology nurse in practice deals with a wide range of patients with many diverse needs. The issue of cultural competence and dealing with patients in terms of correct cultural and social etiquette is an issue that many healthcare professionals have to come to terms with. For example, one may be faced with a language difference that requires patience and understanding in order to convey information correctly to the patient. Another example is that some patients may not be comfortable with certain procedures due to cultural and other differences. The radiologist will often have to deal with patients from different age groups. One might need to adopt different language tones and patterns of behaviour when dealing with the very young or old. The healthcare worker and radiologist also has to examine themselves and become aware of possible unconscious cultural biases that might play a part in treating patients from different cultures.

4. What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance of diversity? Give an example.

Tolerance refers to just putting up with another individual's or group's differences. Acceptance on the other hand means recognising the rights of others and having respect for their views and perspectives. Acceptance means an acknowledgment of the common humanity and the dignity of every individual and treating them equally no matter what their social status, religious affiliations and other differences are. For example, if one only tolerates another religious group this means that one still retains a certain prejudice or bias towards them .However, if one accepts the group then this is an affirmation of their human dignity and their own views about life.

5. As a radiographer, how can you ensure your patients' diversity is respected and that you demonstrate this respect and acceptance?

One of the central ways of ensuring that the patient's diversity is respected is through improving one's understanding of diversity and what it means. Without this understanding the radiographer or healthcare professional may assume things about the patient and makes mistakes, which may in turn adversely affect the aims of fair and unbiased treatment.