Perceptions of Power

Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders view relationships as hierarchical and will therefore expect the provider to take charge. The patient may not wish to participate in making decisions about his/her treatment, and may appear passive in the process. Providers should acknowledge this and use it to help in treating the patient, particularly in encouraging patients to adopt healthy behaviors and to adhere to medical advice. However, it is also important that patients do not feel intimidated by their providers. Feelings of intimidation may prevent the patient from telling the provider the truth about customs, beliefs, or behaviors that may be important for the diagnosis or the treatment. Providers should also be aware that some patients may silently decide not to adhere to recommended treatment.

Expectations of Health Care

Patients from other cultures have experience with health care systems very different from the US system. This often leads to confusion.

Sok Man Kwong speaks about the difficulties that can arise for patients when the health care they received in their home countries differs from the complicated maze of providers and services that constitute the US system. | 5.3 MB Flash File

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