Understanding Culture Care Theory: The Foundations Laid by Leininger
Culture care theory is a nursing theory developed by Madeleine Leininger, an anthropologist and nurse, in the 1950s. The theory focuses on the importance of cultural care in the delivery of nursing care. It recognizes that every individual is unique and has a set of beliefs and practices that influence their health and well-being.
Introduction
The cultural diversity of patients is something that healthcare professionals cannot afford to ignore. As nurses, caring for patients is not just limited to the physical aspect but also involves paying attention to the cultural, social, and spiritual aspects of their lives. This is where the culture care theory comes in – the practice of incorporating cultural beliefs, values, and practices in the delivery of care.
Body
Leininger’s theory provides a framework for understanding how cultural factors impact a patient’s perception of care and how healthcare professionals can provide effective care while respecting the patient’s cultural practices and beliefs. The theory is based on the concept of “culture care diversity and universality,” which highlights the importance of acknowledging cultural differences while recognizing commonalities that exist across cultures.
Leininger believed that cultural care is an essential component of care delivery, and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses must reflect this. She identified three modes of cultural care: preservation, accommodation, and re-patterning. Preservation involves the use of cultural practices and beliefs to maintain and enhance health, accommodation involves accepting and adapting to cultural differences, and re-patterning involves the modification of cultural practices to improve health outcomes.
In the preservation mode, nurses utilize cultural practices that are already in place to maintain and enhance health. For example, a Muslim patient who fasts during Ramadan may require care at a different time to accommodate their religious practices. Accommodation mode involves making necessary adjustments to care plan to align with the patient’s cultural beliefs. For instance, a vegan patient who refuses medication capsules made of gelatin may require an alternative medication without animal products. Re-patterning mode is often used when existing cultural practices may be hindering health. The process involves modifying cultural practices to align with evidence-based best practices. For example, a patient who uses traditional herbal remedies may require a balance between modern medicines and traditional treatments.
Conclusion
The foundations of culture care theory by Leininger are still significant today. As the world becomes increasingly diverse, healthcare professionals must recognize and value cultural diversity in providing care. Culture care theory provides a lens through which cultural factors can be fully considered in care delivery. By acknowledging cultural differences and commonalities, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can provide more effective care for their patients.
In conclusion, knowledge and application of the culture care theory are essential for healthcare providers in delivering culturally competent care. Its principles emphasize the importance of understanding the patient’s cultural beliefs, practices, and values while providing care. By incorporating culturally appropriate strategies, healthcare providers optimize the success of patient treatment outcomes.
