G Flores1, M Abreu, I Schwartz, M Hill. 1. Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, 02118, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined culture's effect on pediatric care. OBJECTIVES: To analyze 3 cases illustrating the importance of culture in pediatrics. METHODS: Case analysis with a cultural competency model. RESULTS: No interpreter was available for the parents of a 3-year-old brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain; she was discharged twice, returned with an acute abdomen, and was hospitalized for treatment of appendiceal rupture and peritonitis. A 2-year-old fractured her clavicle in a fall but was placed in social services' custody because of a pediatrician's misinterpretation. Parents of a ventilation-dependent 2-week-old with encephalopathy, seizures, and renal failure were unaware of the infant's poor prognosis, despite use of an interpreter. CONCLUSIONS: Culture can have a significant impact on pediatric care; use of a simple model can ensure that pediatricians provide culturally competent care.
BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined culture's effect on pediatric care. OBJECTIVES: To analyze 3 cases illustrating the importance of culture in pediatrics. METHODS: Case analysis with a cultural competency model. RESULTS: No interpreter was available for the parents of a 3-year-old brought to the emergency department because of abdominal pain; she was discharged twice, returned with an acute abdomen, and was hospitalized for treatment of appendiceal rupture and peritonitis. A 2-year-old fractured her clavicle in a fall but was placed in social services' custody because of a pediatrician's misinterpretation. Parents of a ventilation-dependent 2-week-old with encephalopathy, seizures, and renal failure were unaware of the infant's poor prognosis, despite use of an interpreter. CONCLUSIONS: Culture can have a significant impact on pediatric care; use of a simple model can ensure that pediatricians provide culturally competent care.