OVERCOMING CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Abstract
Cultural diversity, a characteristic of modern society, requires developed intercultural sensitivity and the application of acquired intercultural competencies in the daily practice of healthcare workers. Due to the nature of their activity, healthcare workers play a significant role in promoting multiculturalism. Thus, their professional actions should be based on ethical principles, empathy, respect for diversity, rejection of stereotypes and prejudices, and judgment of discrimination.
Intending to raise the awareness of healthcare workers about the importance of intercultural competence in professional practice, the work sublimates the basic assumptions about prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination as potential sources of obstacles in intercultural communication within the healthcare system. Their impact on the quality of health care provided to patients is emphasised, as well as the necessary knowledge and skills of health workers to provide culturally competent care and treatment. According to the existing legal regulations, the authors present basic strategies and interventions for overcoming the mentioned obstacles.
Social pluralism initiates the necessity of forming a solid value orientation of healthcare workers towards respect for universal human rights and values, developed through introspection, critical reflection and open dialogue.
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