Working with the Patient's Family

In many cultures, an individual's health problems are considered the family's problems, and it is considered improper and disrespectful to exclude family members from medical interactions. For these patients, providers must address the individual's health problem in the context of his or her family. Family members can provide valuable information regarding the patient's diet, health behavior, daily activities, and types of alternative medications used. Their involvement in a treatment plan may be vital to the patient's ability to adhere to the recommended treatment. Families may decide what the patient will eat, when he/she takes medication, whether he/she exercises, and when he/she seeks medical attention.

Providers need to be sensitive to the diversity within the AAPI population and decide in each instance as to whether it is culturally appropriate to involve family members. The culturally competent provider will discuss with the patient the patterns of decision-making in the family. Understanding and respecting the complex and often delicate interactions that may exist among family members will enable providers to use the patient's family as a valuable resource rather than an intrusion into the provider-patient relationship.

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