Czech Republic
Dear fellow caregivers,
You are welcoming a patient from the Czech Republic.
Here is a list of useful information to know in the context of his medical care.
General Information
Distance Paris – – – > – – – – Prague : 548 miles
10.5 million people / Average salary: $1,511 per month
Literacy rate: 100% / Life expectancy: 79.14 years
Spoken language : Czech
Communication
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● The family is the center of the social structure. Obligations and loyalty to the family are of utmost importance.
● Czechs tend to be reserved when it comes to communication and the expression of emotions. It is therefore common to have small discussions during appointments before discussing important issues.
● It is not recommended to say “no” directly. “We’ll see” or “it’s difficult” are more easily accepted formulas.
● Several appointments may be necessary for a Czech to make a decision.
● Czechs greet strangers by meeting them and expect the same in return.
Beliefs, Practices & Rituals
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● About 40% of the population is Catholic and 40% consider themselves atheists. The remaining 20% are a mixture of different belief systems.
Eating habits
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● The traditional Czech dish consists of pork or beef in a thick sauce with a side dish (usually meatballs or potatoes). This type of food is often high in fat and sodium.
● Many Catholics avoid eating meat on Fridays, especially during Lent. Fish can be a good alternative.
● During Lent, some Catholics fast during the day or avoid eating certain foods.
Pregnancy and motherhood
![](https://us.patientipi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/REPUBLIQUE-TCHEQUE-MATERNITE.jpg)
This section is not yet filled in. Feel free to propose your contribution, respecting the principle of neutrality and citing your sources if necessary. Thank you for your contribution!
End-of-life care
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● Czechs may request the presence of a priest to perform Extreme Unction
● Catholics may see death as the passage from this life to eternal life. They are generally confident in the eventual resurrection of all those who have died as believers.
● Treatments that prolong life may be more difficult to accept if they cause widespread fatigue and if attempts to preserve life seem futile.
● Assisted suicide and euthanasia are difficult to accept. Pain medication may be given as long as the intention is to provide comfort.
● The Church does not give guidelines regarding organ donation.
Examples
This section allows us to share experiences. Feel free to share yours with the community.
Sources :
Diversity Toolkit – Cleveland Clinic