Assignment:
Speech Pathologist Case Study
A remarkable skill of the human brain is its capacity to learn languages. As extraordinary as this is, the learning process, for both the learner, as well as the instructor, can have some pitfalls. An example of this is the speech-language therapist case study (Rose, p.114). In this case study a speech-language therapist is working with a 3-year-old patient who slurs her words and is not understood well in either Spanish or English. The parents prefer for the therapist to provide bilingual care, but the therapist selects to proceed in English. Here, the therapist is unable to meet the cultural needs of the family.
Framed in CDC's social-ecological model, there are individual and interpersonal influences evident in this scenario. Parental beliefs and preferences, as well as the child's age, clearly impact speech-language treatment. Additionally, the healthcare provider's level of cultural competency could be understood as an interpersonal influence on the child's health status. The nature of the parent-provider communication is a clear example of this interpersonal influence.
One of the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards (CLAS) that are identified is language access services (Rose, p.172). More specifically, "Healthcare organizations must provide to patients/consumers in their preferred language both verbal offers and written notices informing them of their right to receive language assistance services" (Rose, p. 171). In practice, one study surveying hospital leaders found that only one-fifth of facilities had designated a specific person or department to promote cultural competence within their hospital (Whitman, et al., 2008). Some has been achieved, but it is clear that more needs to be done.
Unifying the two environments in which the child is living, and learning can also be difficult for the child and his or her family, as well as those who observe this process but have not experienced it for themselves. When the parents and the therapist in the case study do not come to an agreement, the therapist decides to end care of the child.
This result exemplifies the differences Edberg identifies between western and non-western medicine. In one sense, the beliefs, causes and treatment are intended to address the same concerns (Edberg, 2013). In this case both the parents and the doctor, strive for the same result. The approach is what stands them apart.
For example, western societies believe in receiving the best treatment for an individual's condition. In this case, the condition is that a child is struggling with her speech. In a more collectivist society, such as that in which this family is a part, the inclusiveness of strengthening the family's native language is important to the family (noting that they are also interested in assimilating with their host country by using a bilingual approach).
This discontinuity (Chartonas& Bose, p. 711) between the preferential languages of a family and the care offered by a therapist creates challenges and potential stigmas, prejudices and discrimination in the treatment approach (Edberg, p. 140). The therapist is unable to recognize and reconcile the differences between his or her personal medical opinion and the cultural needs of the family.
Refrences
You can pick one of these topics:
• What's in the water?
• The spa effects.
• Criminalization in the classroom
• The silent epidemic
• Testing and heath Disparities.
• Children need to see.
• Linguistic diversity.
• Cultural connections
• Mental health.
The case study paper instructions:
you must discuss multi-level and diversity-based factors shaping the case and its potential solutions. Alternatively, you may apply the case example to other professional or academic experiences/content relevant to multicultural and social-ecological issues. In selecting your case, you may want to consider which case study most closely replicates your profession within health promotion or public health, or topical professional interests. Your paper may also benefit from additional content from scholarly literature and/or pertinent professional organizations.
1. 1.5 to 2 double-spaced pages
2. Writing style (e.g., grammar, organization, spelling)
3. Level of analysis of social-ecological & diversity-related content