Japanese culture in health care

Japanese culture in Health Care
Japanese people are introverted but friendly, although wary of foreigners. Japan has come a long way with regard to accepting foreigners in their country however insome areas their ideas can still seem primitive. They are a private people and take their home space and family quite seriously. It is not common for people to be invited to other’s homes, much less aforeigner. Therefore, if an invitation to a Japanese person’s home is extended, understand that it is a great privilege and should be respected rather than treated nonchalantly.
Superficiality is astrong trait in the Japanese mentality. With them, how it looks is more important than what the reality is like. Everything from friendships, personal hygiene, dialogue, dating and even food, with the“washoku” (food of Japan) concept of different colors and different preparation techniques being served at every meal, has an emphasis on outward appearances. If someone does or says something or evenlooks a certain way that may embarrass them in front of others, this may be enough to cut ties for them. It is very important that nothing in their lives bring embarrassment to them or their family.There is a popular expression, which loosely translated, is: The nail that sticks up, will get hammered down.
If I was a medical doctor in Japan, I would have to change certain behaviors on how Iapproach my patients. Since American and Japanese cultures are different, I would have to adapt to Japanese health care laws and system to provide good care and avoid any disrespect towards my patients.However, A few similarities do prevail. People can see a doctor in a hospital, clinic or doctors office, sometimes visiting the same doctor many days in a row for treatment.
Yet, in Japan, doctorsoften see many patients in a day, Patient-Doctor ratio 500:1 in contrast with 320:1(America), spending only a few minutes with each one. This is why many of my Japanese patients would go to pharmacies...