TRANSCULTURAL TEACHING
Nurses and clients of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds have additional barriers to overcome in
the teaching-learning process.
These barriers include language and communication challenges, differing concepts of time, conflicting
cultural healing practices, beliefs that may positively or negatively influence compliance with health
teaching, and unique high-risk or high-frequency health problems that can be addressed with health
promotion instruction.
When teaching clients from various ethnic backgrounds:
Obtain teaching materials, pamphlets, and instructions in languages used by clients.
Use visual aids, such as pictures, charts, or diagrams, to communicate meaning.
Use concrete rather than abstract words.
Allow time for questions.
Avoid the use of medical terminology or healthcare language
If understanding another’s pronunciation is a problem, validate brief information in writing.
Use humor very cautiously.
Do not use slang words or colloquialisms.
Do not assume that a client who nods, uses eye contact, or smiles is indicating an understanding
of what is being taught.
Invite and encourage questions during teaching.
When explaining procedures or functioning related to personal areas of the body, it may be
appropriate to have a nurse of the same gender do the teaching.
Include the family in planning and teaching. This promotes trust and mutual respect.
Consider the client's time orientation.
Identify cultural health practices and beliefs.
