PORTLAND: A non-profit is advocating a new culturally sensitive palliative care approach.
It takes cultural habits and beliefs into account while focusing on comfort and quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illnesses.
The method is now being taught to nursing students.
Studies show palliative care decreases emotional and medical crises and cuts down on unnecessary emergency room trips and hospitalizations, leading to cost savings.
By adding a cultural emphasis, health care professionals aim to address patient needs that would otherwise be overlooked. “Until we understand a patient’s drivers and concerns — the social, emotional, religious and historical contexts — we can’t begin to help the person,” said…