Cultural sensitivity in rural primary care.

Providing primary care to rural patients requires creativity, resourcefulness, and sensitivity. The NP's education in and exposure to cultural sensitivity can support delivery of care that is both patient-centered and ethnically-focused. Clinicians' knowledge about the cultural heritage of their constituency must include recognition of norms, beliefs, and practices. Knowledge of culture and its application often sets NP practice apart from other colleagues. Cultural knowledge is the provisional detail in delivering primary care that can make or break its acceptance. For example, knowing when an important amulet or type of healing ceremony is central to a patient's recovery enhances not only acceptance of allopathic treatment but its positive outcome as well.