NURSING AND EDUCATION PLATFORM

Many agree that failure to report care, or to  deny that it occurs is unacceptable. Yet it happens to such  a degree, that we need to analyse possible reasons why. The book the Commodity of care is an attempt to do that; not a means to excuse such behaviour in any way. For example, in some parts of Africa, it remains acceptable to slap expectant mums when giving birth as was done in the parts of England until 1970 (See book). In Somalia, the mentally ill may be put in cages with hyenas or chained up. Indeed, in history pre 1960s, in the Uk, the menatally ill were chained up etc which was considered to be acceptable treatment until the reforms of Tuke for example.We must remember that in some parts of Africa, witchdoctors still exist and are still believed in. In some countries, there are different meanings of the term "dignity"; it is acceptable to some not to close doors or cover up for instance.

Further, older people are regarded differently in some countries. Highly respected or regarded as "non-contributors". When people come as carers here from  eg India, they often cannot understand why we do not care for old people at home and find it difficult here . There is evidence within the book that people from some countries, are very loyal and so complain less. Hence they are less likley to report or question something. This all indicates the essential need for adequate training once they arrive here, in addition to the sensetivity of the situation. As the book indicates, training of overseas staff is inadequate. If I went to work in China for example, I know my attitude and behaviour would be different to people who have always lived in China.

Also remember, culture applies to within the same country. One example in the agency nurse blog, indicates this well within Africa. Within UK, we have eg the North and South, more deprived areas and affluent areas. This is not meant to generalise, but could well be a factor that determines attitude and behaviour.

There are of course other reasons besides culture, such as the work ethic or gender - all discussed within the book.