Diversity, Culture and Practice: From Society to “the Bedside”

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe global landscape is constantly evolving. Modern technologies facilitate international communications and collaborations between leaders, researchers, clinicians, students, and friends. As we embrace the dynamism of our understanding of culture and its impact, we must recognize and work to reverse healthcare disparities among people. This has been the case in our evolving understanding of the influence culture has on our services in the area of assessment, treatment, and management of swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia).Recent FindingsThis paper expands on the notions of culture and explores the impact that definitions, perceptions, and biases have on the services provided to persons with dysphagia by all practitioners. Understanding, applying, and believing in concepts of culture and its impact on all we do as persons and as professionals is quite relevant if we are to be socially and professionally responsible members of this society and this discipline.SummaryEvolving perspectives and clinical applications are presented. As people working with people who are living with swallowing disabilities, food is critical as a medium with which we negotiate culture. As our countries become increasingly diverse and we explore opportunities for global collaborations, we must continually examine our concepts of culture, cultural appropriateness, and diversity in all we do.
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research