A Closer Look at the Purnell Model of Cultural Competence
The Purnell Model of Cultural Competence is a framework developed by Dr. Larry Purnell in 1991 to aid healthcare providers in providing culturally competent care. The model focuses on twelve key domains that healthcare providers must consider when providing care to patients from diverse backgrounds. The twelve domains include communication, power, values and beliefs, social organization, environment, health practices, nutrition, childrearing, language, education, family roles, and spiritual and ethical beliefs.
Communication is the first domain of the Purnell Model and it focuses on the manner in which a healthcare provider communicates with patients and families from diverse backgrounds. It is important that healthcare providers understand the various cultural aspects of communication styles and be able to communicate effectively with patients of different backgrounds.
Power is the second domain of the Purnell Model and it focuses on the power dynamics that exist between healthcare providers and patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers must be aware of how their power and authority can be perceived by patients from different cultures and how to use it effectively in order to provide culturally competent care.
Values and beliefs are the third domain of the Purnell Model and it focuses on the importance of understanding and respecting the values and beliefs of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the cultural values and beliefs of their patients and how those values and beliefs may affect their decisions about care.
The fourth domain of the Purnell Model is social organization and it focuses on the importance of understanding the social structure and norms of different cultures. Healthcare providers should be aware of the different social systems and understand how they may impact the care they provide.
The fifth domain of the Purnell Model is environment and it focuses on the physical and psychological environment in which healthcare is provided. Healthcare providers should be aware of the physical and psychological environment of their patients and ensure that they are providing culturally competent care in a comfortable and safe environment.
The sixth domain of the Purnell Model is health practices and it focuses on the various health practices of different cultures. Healthcare providers should be aware of the different health practices and beliefs of their patients and be willing to accommodate those practices when providing care.
The seventh domain of the Purnell Model is nutrition and it focuses on the importance of understanding the dietary needs and preferences of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the dietary needs and preferences of their patients and be willing to accommodate those needs when providing care.
The eighth domain of the Purnell Model is childrearing and it focuses on the importance of understanding the childrearing practices of different cultures. Healthcare providers should be aware of the childrearing practices of their patients and be willing to accommodate those practices when providing care.
The ninth domain of the Purnell Model is language and it focuses on the importance of understanding the language of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the language of their patients and be willing to accommodate their language needs when providing care.
The tenth domain of the Purnell Model is education and it focuses on the importance of understanding the educational backgrounds of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the educational backgrounds of their patients and be willing to accommodate their educational needs when providing care.
The eleventh domain of the Purnell Model is family roles and it focuses on the importance of understanding the family roles and responsibilities of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the family roles and responsibilities of their patients and be willing to accommodate those roles and responsibilities when providing care.
The twelfth domain of the Purnell Model is spiritual and ethical beliefs and it focuses on the importance of understanding the spiritual and ethical beliefs of patients from diverse backgrounds. Healthcare providers should be aware of the spiritual and ethical beliefs of their patients and be willing to accommodate those beliefs when providing care.
The Purnell Model of Cultural Competence is an important tool for healthcare providers to use in order to ensure that they are providing culturally competent care. By understanding the twelve domains of the Purnell Model, healthcare providers are able to provide culturally competent care to patients from diverse backgrounds and ensure that their patients receive the best possible care.