Thesis (Ph.D.)--George Mason University, 2008. / Vita: p. 231. Thesis director: Chen-Yun Wu. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed June 30, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-230). Also issued in print.

This study analyzed the role of traditional healing as a health care delivery system in the context of a transcultural society. The perspectives, experiences and personal accounts of 90 respondents were assessed with respect to the categories used by the World Health Organization in its goal of primary health care. Focusing in the research setting that was based in the Limpopo Province, in South Africa the researcher sought to determine whether health practitioners appreciated and understood traditional healing system; if health institutions could integrate traditional healing systems; and how collaboration of the two health systems can be realized. Furthermore, drawing on a blend of qualitative and quantitative research design, the research project was intended to establish the extent to which traditional medicine equipped health practitioners with knowledge of traditional healing techniques and whether practitioners would reconcile traditional and conventional medicine. Drawing on a modified version of the structure of Leininger's Sunrise model, which states that cultural, physical and social structure dimensions are influenced by multiple factors. The research findings offer insights into the historical, social, economic, cultural, among other developments, that lead to integrationist approach in health care systems. Concluding remarks that health practitioners should pursue a policy of neutrality follow a discussion of the findings, emphasizing, the need to allow health consumers to seek traditional health care system, if they so desire. Recommendations include suggestions for further research to determine effective partnerships between traditional and conventional health care systems. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 1998

This study analyzed the role of traditional healing as a health care delivery system in the context of a transcultural society. The perspectives, experiences and personal accounts of 90 respondents were assessed with respect to the categories used by the World Health Organization in its goal of primary health care. Focusing in the research setting that was based in the Limpopo Province, in South Africa the researcher sought to determine whether health practitioners appreciated and understood traditional healing system; if health institutions could integrate traditional healing systems; and how collaboration of the two health systems can be realized. Furthermore, drawing on a blend of qualitative and quantitative research design, the research project was intended to establish the extent to which traditional medicine equipped health practitioners with knowledge of traditional healing techniques and whether practitioners would reconcile traditional and conventional medicine. Drawing on a modified version of the structure of Leininger's Sunrise model, which states that cultural, physical and social structure dimensions are influenced by multiple factors. The research findings offer insights into the historical, social, economic, cultural, among other developments, that lead to integrationist approach in health care systems. Concluding remarks that health practitioners should pursue a policy of neutrality follow a discussion of the findings, emphasizing, the need to allow health consumers to seek traditional health care system, if they so desire. Recommendations include suggestions for further research to determine effective partnerships between traditional and conventional health care systems. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Cultural competence is a topic that concerns social scientists and medical anthropologists who pay attention to demographic changes and health disparities. This study demonstrates practical approaches to developing cultural competence in medical education by using factors from the social environment to develop protocols for action. With current concerns in domestic and global health care, it is evident that health care organizations struggle to deliver culturally appropriate services. Additionally, educational institutions also struggle to evaluate culturally applied medical practices and competencies. Unlike medical competence, cultural competence is seldom evaluated, and as a result, a gap exists in health care delivery. The purpose of this research is to examine the changes in self-assessment of physician assistant (PA) medical students and graduates, as indications of changes in their medical practice and attitudes. Key objectives explore how PA medical students self-assess their own cultural competence; what factors impact their evaluation, and if change indicates cultural competence. The methodology consisted of a qualitative approach designed to conduct focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and field work, while results of existing quantitative data was used to inform the study. Triangulation methods substantiated the findings along with environmental and data analysis to provide rigor to this investigation. Participants were students and graduates from a Physician Assistant Studies Program in Oregon. Major findings showed changes in participants' cultural competence self assessment due to a change in self-awareness, exposure and experiences with diverse underserved populations, in domestic and international encounters with the real world. In conclusion, change in self assessment had actually occurred, but the change in the quantitative results really portrayed a level of development on a cultural competency continuum, but not cultural competence itself. It followed from these findings that using components which influenced change along with external and internal environmental factors, provided a basis for a model to establish procedures for action. This strategic model, the praxis of cultural competence, takes critical elements or protocols to move medical students from theory to practice. From the results of this study we can see evidence of closing the gap between the theory of cultural competence and culturally competent practices. / Graduation date: 2005

Thesis (MA)--University of Montana, 2009. / Contents viewed on November 25, 2009. Title from author supplied metadata. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Illinois State University, 2007. / Title from title page screen, viewed on March 11, 2008. Dissertation Committee: Amee Adkins (chair), Zeng Lin, Dianne Gardner, Jacklyn Ruthman. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-127) and abstract. Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-72).

Thesis (Honors)--College of William and Mary, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-98). Also available via the World Wide Web.