Problem
Diversity: Age, Economic Status, and Appearance
Tasks: Use feedback techniques (e.g., reflection, restatement, and clarification) to obtain patient information. Respond to nonverbal communication. Communicate respectfully with patients with individual diversity related to age, economic status, and appearance. Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and nonverbal communication.
Scenario: You are rooming Mr. Abraham Black (79 years old), who has recently been diagnosed with dementia. He likes to talk about things that happened long before you were born, and you are not interested in those events. He also has a hard time hearing your questions and you frequently repeat questions. Mr. Black has poor personal hygiene. His clothes are dirty and torn. He has an unpleasant body odor. Mr. Black tells you he can't afford to eat if he buys his medications. He doesn't believe in government programs and refuses to take "handouts." You have worked with Mr. Black in the past and have heard this all before numerous times. You would prefer to work with the younger generation and with patients who have better hygiene.
Directions: Role-play the scenario with a peer, who will be the patient. You need to obtain a brief medical history on this patient (e.g., chief complaint [the main reason for the visit], allergies, and the current medications). The peer (patient) should make up any information required. Use feedback techniques to obtain his information and respond to his nonverbal communication. Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and nonverbal communication.