Ablutions and Toilet

Asians will need water for washing in the same room as the WC itself. If there is no tap or if a bedpan has to be used, a container of water should be provided. Asian patients prefer to wash in free flowing water, rather than sitting in a bath.

Diet

Some Hindus and Muslims may be offended by the food eaten by others and may desire to be seated separately at meal times.

Family Planning

There is no objection to family planning from a religious point of view. However, there may be strong social pressures on the woman, particularly if no son has yet been born and it is advisable to involve her husband in any discussion of family planning. Muslim fundamentalists refuse family planning.

Modesty

Asian women are likely to have a strong preference for a female doctor when being examined or treated. They should not be accommodated in mixed wards except in emergency situations. Sensitivity and care should be taken over situations which may cause the patient to be embarrassed e.g. wearing a gown which the patient may consider too short.

In some Asian cultures direct eye-to-eye contact is avoided during a conversation, particularly if the other person is of the opposite sex; this behaviour should not be taken as avoidance of the issue being discussed.

Names

Ask the patient for his or her family name and their most used personal name. Use the family name as a "surname" for recording purposes.

Death

It is customary amongst some Asian cultures to express their emotions freely when a relative dies. Wherever possible they should be given privacy to do so; and the need to avoid disturbing other patients should be gently but firmly explained.