A nurse manager in a community clinic is concerned because the local refugee population does not seek health care routinely. What action by the nurse would be most helpful?

Question

A.
Assess clinic staff and procedures for evidence of ethnocentrism.
B.
Put up flyers advertising the clinic's services in local retailers.
C.
Reward preventative health patients with coupons for needed items.
D.
Try to meet with community leaders to work on the problem.

Answer 1

ANS: A
Ethnocentrism is the view that the beliefs, values, and behaviors of one culture are superior to those of other cultures. Ethnocentrism is dangerous in health care because it is blind to the possibilities of other solutions and viewpoints and alienates people in need of health care. The nurse manager would be wise to assess the clinic's staff and procedures for ethnocentrism. Meeting with a community leader is always a good idea to learn the viewpoints of the community, but unless ethnocentric behaviors change, it is unlikely that the refugee community will increase its use of the clinic. Flyers and incentives may also be helpful in some cases, but not as helpful as reducing the barriers imposed by ethnocentrism.