Review colleagues post and respond to the prompt that follows

Case Study 2: Jason

Jason, an Asian American boy aged 10, is Deaf and uses American Sign Language to communicate. He went to the emergency room after playing soccer and spraining his ankle. His mom, who is Deaf as well, is with him. The doctor suspects abuse and neglect after observing malnourishment, developmental delay, and bruising during the examination. To promote communication, the interdisciplinary team recruits an interpreter (Walden University, 2022).

Cultural factors to consider providing services

The first factor I would look at regarding this case is the fact that Jason and his mother are deaf. People who are deaf frequently have their own distinctive culture, conventions, and values. Understanding and respecting Deaf culture, especially the use of American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary form of communication, is crucial for the medical social worker. The social worker must make information accessible through written materials or visual aids and guarantee efficient communication with ASL interpreters (National Association of Social Workers, 2016).

Language and communication challenges are inevitable given that both Jason and his mother are Asian and deaf. Due to the family's Deafness, the social worker should be aware of any potential language and communication obstacles. They should try their best to close these gaps by offering trained ASL interpreters who can effectively relay medical information and guarantee that the family is aware of the situation (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). Cultural proficiency is crucial in medical social work. The social worker needs to be sensitive to cultural differences and appreciative of the Asian American heritage of the family. Recognizing any cultural norms, attitudes, or traditions that can affect their judgment and communication preferences is part of this (National Association of Social Workers, 2021).

It is crucial to acknowledge the distinctive family dynamics that deaf households may have. Since both Jason and his mother are Deaf in this situation, it may influence their support system and the responsibilities they play within the family. To comprehend the family's unique needs and dynamics, the social worker should interact with the family. The social worker must put the child's safety and wellbeing first due to worries about malnutrition, developmental delay, and bruises. But it is important to address this sensitively and without making any generalizations based on culture (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Understanding that cultural influences may affect how raising children is viewed within the family requires cultural competence.

In this situation, working with ASL interpreters is essential. To guarantee that delicate conversations are appropriately relayed, and that the family has the chance to voice their concerns and viewpoints, the social worker should collaborate closely with interpreters. (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). Respecting the worth and dignity of each person is emphasized in the NASW Code of Ethics (2021). This social worker must support this concept by showing respect and understanding for Jason, his mother, and their cultural background while simultaneously addressing any worries about the child's safety.

Course of action for the Medical Social Worker

The NASW Code of Ethics and the Standards for Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings can serve as guidelines for the actions a medical social worker should take to correctly respond to these cultural elements. First, a complete evaluation of the family's needs and worries should be done by the social worker, who should also consider the family's cultural background, communication style, and any possible abuse or neglect issues (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). By using ASL interpreters and giving written documents in a language that the family can comprehend, you can make sure that effective communication is formed. should remain up to date with Deaf culture and Asian American cultural standards to deliver care that is sensitive to ethnic differences.

The Medical Social Worker should carefully evaluate the child's safety and well-being, abiding by applicable child protection guidelines and legislation, and consider any potential cultural influences on the issue (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). By addressing the child's medical requirements in conjunction with the medical team, which includes doctors and nurses, and involving the appropriate agencies or authorities if suspected abuse or neglect is relevant the Social Worker also respects the family but abides by the code of ethics.

The Social Worker can promote the family's rights by making sure they have access to the correct tools and services, particularly those designed especially for the Deaf and utilize strict confidentiality guidelines to only share information with those who need to know it (National Association of Social Workers, 2016). In conclusion, the social worker's job in this situation is to address concerns about the child's safety while providing culturally competent, sympathetic, and ethical services. While putting the child's welfare first, it is crucial to respect the family's cultural heritage and communication preferences.

References

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Links to an external site. Ethics-English

National Association of Social Workers. (2016). NASW standards for social work practice in health care settings. https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fFnsRHX-Links to an external site. 4HE%3d&portalid=0e."

Walden University, LLC. (2023). Case studies.Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com

Respond to at least two colleagues who chose a different case than you did:

• Explain two cultural factors that might challenge you when working with the patient your colleague selected.
• Explain measures you might consider to enhance your cultural competence and/or cultural humility.