Cultural Diversity and Patient Safety

to the Editor

Letters

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, culture and language may influence health, healing and wellness belief systems (2010). The article by Ardoin and Wilson raised the concern about whether or not “full ideas” between the nurse and patient would be conveyed without the use of interpreters. However, it’s not always convenient or possible to have an interpreter present. Also, interpreters are not necessarily health care providers, so key concepts might get lost in translation. The key to these patients’ well-being may very well be to have access to health care providers who they can communicate with and relate to. Bernice Boyce, RN

Snellville, GA

References Ardoin, K. B., & Wilson, K. B. (2010). Cultural diversity: What role does it play in patient safety? Nursing for Women’s Health, 14(4), 322–326. doi:10.1111/j.1751-486x.2010.01563x U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. (2010). What is cultural competency? Retrieved from http:// minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/browse. aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=11

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Breastfeeding

I

recently read the article on carpal tunnel syndrome and breastfeeding (O’Donnell, Elio, & Day, 2010) and was very impressed with the authors’ recommendation that nurses and lactation consultants give nursing mothers various options for coping with the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome during breastfeeding. As a mother myself, I can’t imagine the inability to care for my child in the way that I deem fit because of pain associated with this condition. According to the authors, the emotional and physical consequences associated with carpal tunnel syndrome during breastfeeding can actually deter a mother from her breastfeeding plan. As an occupational therapy student, I understand the importance of therapeutic positioning and encourage the idea of educating all mothers, including those who may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, in proper techniques, such as correct positioning, and about assistive devices for continuation of their childrearing activities, including

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Nursing for Women’s Health

breastfeeding. Promotion of a person’s occupational performance, defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (2008) as “the act of doing and accomplishing a selected activity or occupation that results from the dynamic transaction among the client, the context, and the activity” (p. 672), is essential to providing clients with holistic, client-centered care. I want to commend health care professionals who strive to provide education regarding conservative intervention methods to mothers to promote success with breastfeeding and childcare and who encourage and foster a positive experience and nurturing environment for both mother and child. Jodie Greenwood, OTS

Utica, NY

References American Occupational Therapy Association. (2008). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain & process, 2nd edition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(6), 625–683. O’Donnell, M.J., Elio, R., & Day, D. (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome: Coping during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nursing for Women’s Health, 14(4), 318–321. doi:10.1111/j.1751-486x.2010.01562.x

Volume 15

Issue 1