A mnemonic will assist you in developing a personalized care plan based on cultural/diversity aspects. Place in the patient’s chart or use the mnemonic when gathering the patient’s history on a SOAP progress note.

	Demographics - Explore regional background, level of –acculturation, age and sex as they influence health care behaviors.	Where were you born? Where was “home” before coming to the U.S.? How long have you lived in the U.S.? What is the patient’s age and sex?
	Ideas - Ask the patient to explain his/her ideas or concepts of health and illness.	What do you think keeps you healthy? What do you think makes you sick? What do you think is the cause of your illness? Why do you think the problem started?
	Views of health care treatments - Ask about treatment preference, use of home remedies, and treatment avoidance practices.	Are there any health care procedures that might not be acceptable? Do you use any traditional or home health remedies to improve your health? What have you used before? Have you used alternative healers? Which? What kind of treatment do you think will work?
	Expectations - Ask about what your patient expects from his/her doctor?	What do you hope to achieve from today’s visit? What do you hope to achieve from treatment? Do you find it easier to talk with a male/female? Someone younger/older?
	Religion - Ask about your patient’s religious and spiritual traditions.	Will religious or spiritual observances affect your ability to follow treatment? How? Do you avoid any particular foods? During the year, do you change your diet in celebration of religious and other holidays?
	Speech - Identify your patient’s language needs including health literacy levels. Avoid using a family member as an interpreter.	What language do you prefer to speak? Do you need an interpreter? What language do you prefer to read? Are you satisfied with how well you read? Would you prefer printed or spoken instructions?
	Environment - Identify patient’s home environment and the cultural/diversity aspects that are part of the environment. Home environment includes the patient’s daily schedule, support system and level of independence.	Do you live alone? How many other people live in your house? Do you have transportation? Who gives you emotional support? Who helps you when you are ill or need help? Do you have the ability to shop/cook for yourself? What times of day do you usually eat? What is your largest meal of the day?