J Midwifery Womens Health. 2002 May-Jun; 47(3): 122-9.

Pharmaceutical therapy in midwifery practice: a culturally competent approach.

Doyle EI, Faucher MA.

Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation of Baylor University, USA.

The profession of midwifery can be part of the solution in America's quest for a culturally sensitive and competent health care system. Midwives who are familiar with a variety of health-related cultural beliefs and practice culturally sensitive inquiry, particularly when using pharmaceutical therapies, can effectively understand and respond to the cultural complexities that impact a client's health. This article describes needed cultural competencies, reviews a variety of health-related cultural beliefs, and relates how these beliefs impact the use and acceptability of pharmaceutical therapies. Specific examples related to culturally sensitive inquiry are discussed along with recommendations.