Did you know…?

Older African Americans may be wary of health care professionals. They may feel the maintenance of their health is solely up to God’s will. “Putting it in God’s hands” might cause them to be reluctant to share personal or family issues. Providing superior care to older African Americans may be benefited by establishing a relationship built on trust through active, nonjudgmental listening, respect for their opinions, and a supportive, caring attitude.

            - Submitted by Dawn Rase, BA, AAS, RT (R), lead operating room radiologic technologist, PPMC Radiology

*The information provided in this column should be used as a general reference, the beginning point of assessment for learning about patient cultural values. It should by no means serve as a behavioral predictor or in determining treatment