Cultural Competency - Multicultural Health Generalizations: Respect
Vietnamese Patients and Respect for Authority
In general, the Vietnamese culture values respect for authority, avoidance of shame and conflict, and politeness. As a result, some patients may not ask questions, may not voice disagreement or concern, and may not reveal intentions or actions that seem in contrast to a physician's wishes. If patients disagree or do not understand, they may simply listen and respond with yes out of respect for authority (aka: saving face), but then not return for further care or comply with recommendations. Therefore, it can be important to ask for further feedback from patients to ensure understanding and agreement, especially when obtaining consent to treatment. Asking patients to share alternatives could increase treatment compliance while acknowledging cultural values.
Source: Pamela LaBorde, MD, Vietnamese Cultural Profile, EthnoMed, University of Washington, Seattle, WA July, 1996. http://healthlinks.washington.edu/clinical/ethnomed/vietnamesecp.html
#interpersonal (disabled) (2004, Mar. 15)
Redirected to: http://ethnomed.org/ethnomed/cultures/vietnamese/vietnamese_cp.html#interpersonal
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