Cultural diversity mandates honorin

Cultural diversity mandates honoring the differences presented in the world community. Rather than an attempt to direct another’s life decisions, it is a convergence of mutual support, which respects the individual’s belief system, a fundamental principle of empowerment. The hospice/palliative team should use the patient’s personal goals as measurement, accepting that the patient’s goals often are quite different than theirs. For example, some culturally specific interventions that address and honor belief in the healing power of God’s will, rather than a biomedical approach, may empower and contribute to the self-esteem, sense of control, and well-being of patients, especially religious African Americans and Latinos.