Addressing issues for early detection and screening in ethnic populations

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To describe how multicultural knowledge and skills are applied in culturally competent practice to develop and deliver available, accessible, acceptable, and appropriate programs in early cancer detection and screening programs in ethnic communities.

Data sources: Literature and clinical community practice reports.

Data synthesis: Successful community screening programs can be conducted within ethnic minority populations. Practitioners must tailor care based on salient cultural differences of the population of focus. Culturally based practice results in the (a) increased ability to think critically in community and individual assessments, (b) development of more accurate program plans and designs, and (c) increased likelihood that appropriate outcomes will be used in the evaluation of care.

Conclusions: Greater cultural competence increases the accuracy of care and thereby its effectiveness, efficiency, and success in providing acceptable and optimal programs.

Implications for nursing practice: The first step in a cultural assessment is to know one's own beliefs and attitudes. The second step, conducted in parallel, requires knowledge about the groups that make up the patient and staff populations within the practice setting and then integrating those perspectives into practice. Practitioners then can begin the third step of negotiation of all stages of the project with members of the various communities on an equal basis that recognizes the expertise and integrity of all parties.