PAPER TRANSULTURAL IN NURSING
“Culture of Canada : Light Therapy”
Group 2
Febielle Devna Suryahasilaga 9103020002
Yesicha Irfany P.C 9103020005
Angga Krisna Wijaya 9103020018
Marieta M. Clarissa D 9103020023
Yuliana Kurniawati Herin 9103020026
Faculty of Nursing
Widya Mandala Catholic University
Surabaya
2021
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PREFACE
Praise and gratitude we extend to the presence of God Almighty, because of His grace
so that we can complete the assignment of this paper entitled "Culture in Canada : Light
Therapy" on time. The purpose of making this paper is to fulfill the task of Mrs. Abigael
Grace prasetani, [Link].,Ns., [Link]. in the course of Transcultural Nursing. In addition, this
paper also aims to add insight about "Culture in Canada : Light Therapy" for readers as well
as for us writers.
We express our gratitude to Mrs. Abigael Grace prasetani, [Link].,Ns., [Link]., as a
lecturer in the Transcultural Nursing course. who has given this assignment so that it can
increase knowledge and insight in accordance with the field of study that we are currently
pursuing. We also thank all those who have shared some of their knowledge so that we can
complete this paper well. We realize that this paper that we write is still far from perfect.
Therefore, we really look forward to all forms of suggestions, input and constructive criticism
from various parties. So, we hope that this paper can be useful for readers and writers.
Surabaya, 01 November 2021
Authors
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Contents
PREFACE ii
CHAPTER 1 1
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Purpose 1
1.2.1 General Purpose 1
1.2.2 Specific Purpose 1
1.3 Benefits 2
CHAPTER 2 3
DISCUSSION 3
2.1 Definition of Light Therapy 3
2.2 Benefits of Light Therapy 3
2.3 Indications and Contraindications of Light Therapy 4
2.4 Proceduree of Light Therapy 5
2.5 Medical Explanation of Light Therapy 6
2.6 Role of Nurse in Light Therapy (Code Of Ethics) 6
CHAPTER 3 8
CONCLUSION 8
3.1 Conclusion 8
3.2 Recommendation 8
REFERENCES 9
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Canada's healthcare system is a point of pride for most Canadians. In 1947, the
Saskatchewan government introduced a province-wide, universal hospital care plan. By
1950, both British Columbia and Alberta had similar plans. When the Medical Care Act
was passed in 1966, the Canadian government began funding public health. Within six
years, universal coverage for necessary medical health services is provided on a need
basis, rather than the ability to pay becomes a right for all Canadians. In Canada,
government paid health coverage means that individual visits to the doctor or hospital
come without a bill. Another myth about the Canadian system is that everything is closed.
unhealthy, that is not the case. "There's additional insurance you can get," points out Dr.
Healey. About 65% of Canadians surveyed have additional private health insurance,
mostly through their employer. An additional 11% of people have access to additional
services through a government-sponsored insurance plan. “For example, medicine is for
the most part not covered across the board.” Nearly one in four Canadian households
reported that someone in the household was not taking their medication because of an
inability to pay. considering the health system in Canada which is classified as advanced
and uses more technology systems, there is one therapy that is used by Canadians as
alternative medicine. Even today Canada is using light therapy to help deal with the
Covid chain that is also attacking Canada.
1.2 Purpose
1.2.1 General Purpose
This paper will explain about culture in Canada, especially about Light Therapy. So
reader as well as colleger could have Information and overview about Light Therapy in
Canada.
1.2.2 Specific Purpose
a. Knowing the definition of Light Therapy in Canada
b. Knowing the purpose and benefit of Light Therapy in Canada
c. Knowing the indications and contraindications of Light Therapy in Canada
d. Knowing the procedure of Light Therapy in Canada
e. Knowing the role of nurses in Light Therapy procedures
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f. Knowing the nurse's code of conduct in Light Therapy in Canada
1.3 Benefits
a. For colleger can know about the definition of Light Therapy in Canada
b. For colleger can know about the purpose and benefit of Light Therapy in Canada
c. For colleger can know about the indications and contraindications of Light Therapy
in Canada
d. For colleger can know about the procedure of Light Therapy
e. For colleger can know about the role of nurses in Light Therapy procedures
f. For colleger can know about the nurse's code of conduct in Light Therapy in
Canada
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CHAPTER 2
DISCUSSION
2.1 Definition of Light Therapy
Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other
conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a
certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter. During light therapy, client have to sit
or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that
mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to
mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with
other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions. Light therapy is also
known as bright light therapy or phototherapy.
Since gaining recognition as a treatment in the 1980s, light therapy has been a
first-line treatment for SAD, which is a subset of depression that impacts women more
often than men and tends to occur from the teen years through menopause. Lethargy,
weight gain, disinterest in socializing, poor concentration, and feeling unhappy, irritable,
and agitated are common symptoms of the condition. Researchers believe the condition is
triggered by a lack of exposure to natural light during the shorter, darker days of fall or
winter and symptoms tend to follow a yearly seasonal pattern. This decrease in exposure
to sunlight impacts some people more severely than others, causing depression.1 The
treatment works by giving you a boost of artificial light that mimics the effects of longer,
sunnier days.
2.2 Benefits of Light Therapy
The efficacy of light therapy is well established, particularly for use with
seasonal affective disorder. As noted above, however, it's important to understand that
while light therapy often offers an improvement in depression symptoms, it does not
offer a cure for SAD or other conditions. The benefits received from the boost of light
are short-term and need to be maintained with consistent therapy.
Experts Reveal Benefits of Light Therapy
a. 'Bright White Light Therapy'-improve mood This tool produces light
resembling sunlight. Sitting for 20-30 minutes in the morning can improve
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mood, improve focus and fight irritation in people with Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD), Depression that come and go as the seasons change. About
one in five people experience mood swings in winter, and sunlight is the best
antidote. Michael Terman, Ph.D. -From the Center for Environmental
Therapeutics- explains direct to the source of the cause, which disrupts the
'circadian rhythm' (the body's biological clock that regulates body activities
and functions for 24 hours) that changes when it is light and when it is dark.
One study showed light therapy was as effective as antidepressants in the
treatment of SAD, with fewer side effects.
b. Blue Light Therapy-helps to sleep well This blue LED light is said to fight
insomnia by regulating your circadian rhythm; the bright blue light refreshes
you during your day's activities, while the dim blue light helps you sleep well
at night. There have been many studies that show exposure to blue light at
night suppresses melatonin, a hormone needed to induce sleepiness. Other
studies have found that exposure to blue light in the morning and evening
increases alertness.
c. Red Light Therapy-soft skin. Red light therapy is commonly found in masks
and spa treatments that offer skin care and reduce fine lines. A 2013 study
showed that sun exposure treatments can help reduce wrinkles. Angela Lamb,
M.D.,-a dermatologist from New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital says red
light has an anti-inflammatory effect and increases collagen production,
improves skin tone and improves skin texture and tone.
2.3 Indications and Contraindications of Light Therapy
Light therapy is used as a treatment for several conditions, including SA, types of
depression that don't occur seasonall, jet lag, sleep disorders, adjusting to a nighttime
work schedule and dementia. Light therapy used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis
is different from the type of light therapy used for the conditions listed above. Light
therapy for skin disorders uses a lamp that emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This type of light
should be filtered out in light therapy boxes used for SAD and other conditions because it
can damage your eyes and skin.
The contraindications from this therapy are people who are sensitive to the eyes or
skin should not use this therapy without consulting a doctor first. Always tell your doctor
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if you are using alternative therapies or if you are thinking of combining alternative
therapies with your conventional medical care
2.4 Proceduree of Light Therapy
Although client doesn't need a prescription to buy a light therapy box, it's best to
ask client’s doctor or mental health provider if light therapy is a good option for them.
Ask whether client need to take any special precautions. Also discuss which type of light
therapy box would best meet their needs, so they get the most benefit and minimize
possible side effects. Internet retailers, drugstores and other stores offer a variety of light
therapy boxes. Familiarize theirself with the variety of features and options available on
light boxes to help ensure that they buy a high-quality product that's safe and effective.
Health insurance companies rarely cover the cost.
Generally, most people with seasonal affective disorder begin treatment with light
therapy in the early fall, when it typically becomes cloudy in many regions of the country.
Treatment usually continues until spring, when outdoor light alone is sufficient to sustain
a good mood and higher levels of energy. If you typically have fall and winter depression,
you may notice symptoms during prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather during
other seasons. You and your doctor can adjust your light treatment based on the timing
and duration of your symptoms. If you want to try light therapy for nonseasonal
depression or another condition, talk to your doctor about how light therapy can be most
effective.
During light therapy sessions, you sit or work near a light box. To be effective,
light from the light box must enter your eyes indirectly. You can't get the same effect
merely by exposing your skin to the light. While your eyes must be open, don't look
directly at the light box, because the bright light can damage your eyes. Be sure to follow
your doctor's recommendations and the manufacturer's directions. Light therapy requires
time and consistency. You can set your light box on a table or desk in your home or
office. That way you can read, use a computer, write, watch TV, talk on the phone or eat
while having light therapy. Stick to your therapy schedule and don't overdo it.
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There key elements for effectiveness. Light therapy is most effective when we
have the proper combination of light intensity duration and timing.
a. Intensity
The intensity of the light box is recorded in lux, which is a measure of the amount of
light you receive. For SAD, the typical recommendation is to use a 10,000-lux light
box at a distance of about 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) from your face
b. Duration.
With a 10,000-lux light box, light therapy typically involves daily sessions of about
20 to 30 minutes. But a lower-intensity light box, such as 2,500 lux, may require
longer sessions. Check the manufacturer's guidelines and follow your doctor's
instructions. He or she may suggest you start with shorter sessions and gradually
increase the time.
c. Timing
For most people, light therapy is most effective when it's done early in the morning,
after you first wake up. Your doctor can help you determine the light therapy schedule
that works best.
2.5 Medical Explanation of Light Therapy
Research shows that lower levels of serotonin are associated with depression and that
light therapy is an effective remedy. In fact, benefits are often seen after just one session, which
typically last from 15 to 60 minutes. One study found that positive effects tend to be seen after 20
minutes, but that the optimal duration for lightbox sessions is 40 minutes daily, over the course of
several weeks. After light therapy sessions, improvements have been found in alertness, mood,
energy, attention, concentration, happiness, and other markers of depression. Additionally, while
currently thought of primarily to treat SAD, light therapy is increasingly being used to treat other
forms of depression and mood disorders, with promising results. In fact, studies show that bright
light therapy may an effective, fast-acting, therapy for non-seasonal forms of depression as well,
including major depressive disorder (MDD). Research has also found that using a lightbox in
conjunction with other therapies yields better management of symptoms
2.6 Role of Nurse in Light Therapy (Code Of Ethics)
The role of nurse to do the light therapy from Canada are :
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a. Following the decision of the client who wants light therapy, but as a nurse must re-check the
client's health status whether it is appropriate to follow light therapy (there are no
contraindications)
b. Maintain confidentiality if the client does not want anyone else or his family to know that he
is undergoing light therapy to deal with depression
c. Try to avoid conflict if there are patients who want to follow light therapy but their health
status has contraindications, for example, eye disorders that are sensitive to too bright light.
So, as a nurse, we discuss with doctors looking for alternatives, for example: reducing the
time of light therapy and adjusting the required light information
d. Nurses who have good ethics do not discriminate against patients or discriminate against
patients by skin color. For example, there are white people and black people, but nurses only
want to treat white patients while black patients are left alone or left to someone else.
e. Nurses as educators also educate clients to follow light therapy according to the doctor's
advice, because there are side effects from this therapy, namely tired eyes or visual
disturbances, headaches, nausea and sweating. (Van Maanen, et al, 2016)
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CHAPTER 3
CONCLUSION
3.1 Conclusion
Light therapy is a therapy originating from Canada which is used in the treatment of
autism. In this therapy process, the nurse's role is very important, starting from ensuring the
patient's condition, maintaining patient privacy, being a good educator and being able to
establish good communication with patients in order to expedite the treatment process.
3.2 Recommendation
The light therapy method is a good method to do in the healing process. As a nurse we
must pay attention to the condition of the patient, both physically and psychologically in this
process. Nurses must also be able to build good communication not only with patients but
with other medical personnel such as doctors for the success of this therapy by always
maintaining a code of nursing ethics.
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REFERENCES
Associates, C. C. (2021, 10 26). SISTEM KESEHATAN KANADA. PRO DAN KONTRA
DARI SISTEM KESEHATAN DI KANADA.
Harrison, P. ( 2015, November 23). Light Therapy Highly Effective for Major Depression.
Martensson B, e. a. (2015). Bright white light therapy in depression: A critical review of the
evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders, 182:1.
American Psychiatric Association. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Updated October
2020.
Melrose S. Seasonal affective disorder: an overview of assessment and treatment approaches.
Depress Res Treat. 2015;2015:178564. doi:10.1155/2015/178564
