Functional neurological disorder: a faith and cultural perspective

Section A:
A systematic review of research that can contribute to knowledge of understandings and use
of Cultural Competence (CC) initiatives in UK healthcare settings. A search of databases
found ten studies. The findings were integrated to identify six themes relevant to
understanding the term CC and CC initiatives. The review highlights inconsistencies in
conceptualisations of CC and problems were found in the implementation of CC initiatives
which often go unmonitored.

Section B:
An empirical paper exploring the role of family, faith and culture in Black and Asian
individuals experiencing functional neurological symptoms. Seven semi-structured
interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
(IPA). The results indicate that individuals largely understood their symptoms from a
Eurocentric medical lens, but that the diagnosis was difficult to come to terms with. Cultural
influences such as help-seeking behaviours, symptom and suffering perceptions, upbringing
and language were found to play a part in how one experiences FND. Stigma and faith were
found to play a significant role in individual’s experiences.