Culture, pain, and culturally sensitive pain care

Abstract

One of the factors that can influence a person's perception of the pain experience is culture. With the large increase in the immigrant population in the United States, particularly immigrants coming from nontraditional regions such as Southeast Asia and Latin America, clinicians need to develop increased sensitivity to the influence of culture on health care beliefs and practices. To more effectively manage pain, clinicians need to conduct culturally sensitive pain assessments that elicit information concerning patients' and family members' beliefs about the pain experience. In addition, the patient's and family members' cultural beliefs and approaches toward traditional healing practices need to be incorporated into the pain management plan.