Stereotyping in Healthcare: Impact on Patient Safety and Strategies for Inclusivity

Identification of Patient/Client Group with Commonality

Students will structure the essay as follows:

What the essay will cover, including the identification of the chosen patient/client group with a commonality such as: Background Information - Provide Brief information about the commonality of the patient/client group. Example: Parkinson’s Disease – what is Parkinson’s Disease; how does it develop/risk factors; statistics relating to how many, gender, age, world; symptoms; problems they may encounter in daily life.

Example: Alcohol Dependence – what is alcohol dependence; why might someone become alcohol dependent/risk factors; statistics relating to how many, gender, age, World; symptoms/behaviours; problems they many encounter in daily life.

Stereotyping of the chosen group – Provide a definition of stereotyping, and discuss common stereotyping labels/behaviours society has towards the patient/client group and why.It is important to think about specific labels/behaviours towards the chosen group, but also consider non-specific labels/behaviours that the public may have such as talking over disabled people, staring at people with a disfigurement and disapproving when behaviour is seen as ‘abnormal’.

Example: ADHD – the child must be like that because of bad parenting.Example: Older person – all old people are deaf, forgetful, frail.The Impact of Stereotyping - Discuss patient safety and potential vulnerability by considering how stereotyping can impact the patient/client group’s physical and mental health, individual health choices, and their access to health care.

*Consider how labels/behaviour make people feel about themselves, and how this transfers into how they feel society accepts them.

*Consider how stereotyping can make people vulnerable through their own actions, or the actions of others, which could potentially result in concerns for their safety.

Example: Obesity – if people comment about size or eating all the time, it can make the person withdraw, comfort eat, or be too embarrassed to exercise. This could lead to health issues but also deterioration of mental health causing self-neglect or isolation. They may not access healthcare for fear of blame.

Strategies to promote inclusivity - What could individuals or society do to help include this group, and how can nurses empower individuals to help themselves utilising any strategies already in place e.g. policies, guidelines, advise sheets, patient groups, charities.Reflection on self-awareness and resilience - Consider your own values and beliefs about other people, and your thoughts and feelings on how others have or could treat you, and the coping mechanisms you have or need to develop.

Q-1What has it felt like to consider your own stereotyping views of people?

Q-2Are you able to be honest about your views of others?

Q-3Have any of your opinions been challenged through the learning?

Q-4Are there any aspects that you feel you should, or would, want to change?

Q-5What have you learned which will help you cope with any stereotyping behaviours/actions that people might aim towards you? Are there any coping mechanisms/skills you need to develop to build your resilience

Conclusion – Summarise the main points of the essay.