Diversity has a significant influence on health care. Studying transcultural health care helps health professionals understand different cultures in order to provide holistic and individualized health care. Review the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence, including the theory, framework and 12 domains. Write 750-1,000-word paper exploring the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence. Include the following:

1. Explain culturally sensitive care and its application within health care.

2. Explain the theory and organizational framework of the Purnell Model, and discuss its relevance to transcultural health care.

3. Describe Purnell’s 12 domains of culture, and assess how each of these domains plays an active role in the diversity of health care in your specific field.

4. Discuss how this model can be applied when working with different cultures in order to become a more culturally competent health care provider.

5. Cite at least three references, including the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Struggling with where to start this paper? Follow this guide to explore the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence!

Your paper focuses on understanding and applying the Purnell Model to provide culturally competent care in health care. Here’s a structured approach to tackle each component.

Step 1: Introduction

Begin with a definition of culturally sensitive care:

Culturally sensitive care involves recognizing, respecting, and addressing the unique cultural values, beliefs, and practices of patients to provide holistic and individualized health care.
Explain why transcultural health care is essential, especially in diverse populations.
State the purpose of your paper: exploring the Purnell Model and its application to your health care field.

Step 2: Culturally Sensitive Care in Health Care

Discuss practical applications:
- Respecting language preferences and using interpreters when needed
- Understanding health beliefs, dietary practices, family roles, and decision-making processes
- Adapting care plans to align with cultural values without compromising safety or ethics
Include examples from your field: nursing, therapy, social work, etc.

Step 3: Purnell Model Theory and Framework

Explain the theoretical foundation:
- The model is based on holistic nursing and cultural competence theory
- Recognizes that culture is learned, shared, and constantly changing
Explain the organizational framework:
- Represented as a concentric circle model: outer circle (global society), community, family, person
- Inner circle includes 12 cultural domains that guide assessment and care
Discuss relevance to transcultural health care:
- Provides a structured approach to assess and respect cultural differences
- Promotes patient-centered care that is sensitive to diverse beliefs and practices

Step 4: Purnell’s 12 Domains of Culture

Explain each domain briefly and connect it to your field:

Overview/Heritage – Patient’s country of origin, current residence, migration patterns.
Communication – Language, dialects, nonverbal cues, and silence practices.
Family Roles and Organization – Gender roles, hierarchy, caregiving responsibilities.
Workforce Issues – Employment patterns, educational levels, socioeconomic factors.
Biocultural Ecology – Genetics, physical characteristics, risk factors, skin color considerations.
High-Risk Behaviors – Alcohol, tobacco, diet, substance use.
Nutrition – Cultural dietary patterns, fasting, food preferences.
Pregnancy and Childbearing Practices – Beliefs regarding pregnancy, birth, postpartum care.
Death Rituals – End-of-life care, mourning practices, organ donation.
Spirituality – Religious beliefs, prayer, rituals affecting care.
Health Care Practices – Use of Western medicine, folk remedies, preventive care.
Health Care Practitioners – Trust in providers, cultural match with clinicians, traditional healers.

Assess how each domain influences patient care in your specific field. For example:
- In nursing: Communication and family roles are critical when educating patients on medication adherence.
- Nutrition may guide dietary planning for patients with chronic diseases.

Step 5: Applying the Model to Enhance Cultural Competence

Discuss how to use the Purnell Model in practice:
- Conduct cultural assessments using the 12 domains
- Incorporate findings into care plans
- Collaborate with patients and families to respect cultural preferences
Explain benefits:
- Improves patient satisfaction and trust
- Reduces health disparities
- Enhances patient adherence to treatment plans

Step 6: Conclusion

Summarize the importance of culturally sensitive care
Highlight how the Purnell Model provides a practical framework for understanding and respecting cultural diversity
Reiterate its role in improving holistic patient outcomes

Step 7: References (APA 7th Edition)

Include at least three references, for example:

Purnell, L. (2013). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (4th ed.). F.A. Davis.
Campinha-Bacote, J. (2018). The process of cultural competence in the delivery of healthcare services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 29(2), 123–135.
Spector, R. E. (2017). Cultural diversity in health and illness (9th ed.). Pearson.

Step 8: Writing and Formatting Tips

Word count: 750–1,000 words
Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
APA in-text citations for all sources
Include a reference page separate from your paper
Avoid first-person unless allowed by your instructor

Culturally Sensitive Care Using the Purnell Model