Ethics and cultural diversity--a framework for decision-making.

Believing that healthcare outcomes will be more satisfying if the patients' cultural knowledge and values are understood and integrated appropriately in care planning, the author proposes a culturally competent ethical decision making model based on human rights--the fundamental right of individuals, families, groups, and populations to healthcare that is meaningful, supportive, and beneficial--and a reconceptualization of ethical principles to include the values and assumptions of clients. The ideal result is culturally congruent healthcare in which practitioners learn about their clients' lifeways and work with them to find satisfying ways to resolve clinical and ethical issues.