Assignment task: Addressing social and cultural needs
When working in the Australian healthcare setting, you must recognise and respect the needs of people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Various misunderstandings may arise from cultural diversity. For example, language barriers or misinterpretation between healthcare workers and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people might cause misunderstanding and conflict.
As part of this task, you are required to perform the following activities in three (3) different situations:
a) Recognise situations where misunderstandings may arise from diversity. (Identify issues that may cause communication misunderstandings or other difficulties).
b) Demonstrate appropriate responses in these situations, trying to resolve differences sensitively. Seek assistance when required.
c) Select and use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication to avoid or minimize misunderstandings.
Complete the following templates for each situation. Dot point answers would be sufficient. Your assessor will observe your overall skills in identifying and addressing the needs of people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and complete the checklist provided at the end of this assessment task based on your performance in the clinical venue in ensuring cultural safety.
Q1. Briefly outline the situation where misunderstandings may arise from diversity. (Identify issues that may cause communication misunderstandings or other difficulties).
Q2. Reflect on own perspectives on the identified diversity. (What is your perspective on identified diversity?)
Q3. Briefly describe your response to this situation to avoid conflict or any discomfort for the involved personnel.