In an effort to identify cultural differences in the patient management of disease as well as the health care system management of patients, qualitative research, in the form of case studies, was undertaken to understand and report the perceptions and experiences of white and African American head and neck cancer patients. They were treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, considered an equal access medical facility,for inpatient and outpatient treatment. The study population consisted of ten patients, five white and five African American patients who were interviewed in depth utilizing a comprehensive data collection questionnaire combined with an open-ended interview technique. The participants were encouraged to describe their response to illness, including their feelings and perceptions, the ways they coped with their illness, and their interactions with family, friends, and health care providers. The results provide the identification of themes and patterns that were observed noting cultural differences. This researcher recognized and gained awareness of a patient's reaction to disease, coping mechanisms for this disease, perception of care, and similarities and differences in the utilization of health care resources between different cultural groups.
Learning Objectives: To identify cultural differences in how white and African American cancer patients react to and cope with life threatening disease. To identify cultural disparities in the health care delivery system. To describe cultural differences in patient management of disease. To identify cultural differences in perceptions and experiences between culturally diverse patients.
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.