Cultural Competence in Nursing Practice: Bridging Healthcare Disparities

Cameron Rebecca^*
*Correspondence: Cameron Rebecca, Department of Nursing, University of Launceston, 2 Invermay Rd, Launceston TAS 7248, Australia, Email:

Introduction

Cultural competence in healthcare refers to the ability of healthcare providers, including nurses, to understand, respect, and effectively respond to the cultural and linguistic needs of patients. It recognizes that culture influences how individuals perceive health, illness, and healthcare, and it acknowledges the importance of providing patient-centered care that respects these cultural perspectives. Cultural competence is essential for several reasons. Patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and engage in preventive care when healthcare providers acknowledge and respect their cultural beliefs and values. Effective communication is the cornerstone of healthcare. Cultural competence helps nurses bridge language and communication barriers. Patients are more likely to trust healthcare providers who respect their cultural identity, resulting in higher levels of patient satisfaction. Cultural competence is a key strategy in addressing healthcare disparities based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors [1].

Description

Cultural competence in nursing practice involves several components. Nurses must first recognize their own cultural biases and assumptions. This selfawareness is a foundational step in providing culturally competent care. Nurses should seek to understand the cultural backgrounds, customs, beliefs, and healthcare practices of the populations they serve. Developing effective crosscultural communication skills, such as active listening and the use of interpreters, is crucial. Sensitivity to cultural differences and an appreciation of diversity are essential in providing patient-centered care. Nurses should routinely assess patients' cultural beliefs and preferences related to healthcare decision-making, end-of-life care, and treatment options [2].

Several challenges can hinder the development and application of cultural competence in nursing practice. Unconscious biases can affect healthcare providers' attitudes and behaviors toward patients from different cultural backgrounds. Communicating effectively with patients who speak different languages or dialects can be challenging without access to interpretation services. Not all nursing programs provide comprehensive training in cultural competence, leaving some nurses ill-prepared to address cultural disparities. The demands of healthcare settings can sometimes limit the time nurses have to engage in culturally sensitive care. Seek out cultural competence training programs and resources to expand your knowledge and skills. Engage in cultural immersion experiences to gain a deeper understanding of different cultural practices and perspectives. Share experiences and insights with colleagues to foster a culture of cultural competence within healthcare teams. Utilize cultural liaison or interpreter services to bridge communication gaps with patients who have limited English proficiency. Continuously reflect on your own cultural biases and assumptions to improve self-awareness [3].

Cultural competence plays a pivotal role in reducing healthcare disparities, which disproportionately affect marginalized and underserved populations. By understanding and addressing the unique cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to these disparities, nurses can help level the playing field in healthcare access and outcomes. Cultural competence in nursing practice is an ethical and practical imperative in today's diverse healthcare landscape. It is not only a means of providing patient-centered care but also a powerful tool for reducing healthcare disparities. As healthcare providers, nurses have a responsibility to continually develop their cultural competence and advocate for equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all patients. In conclusion, cultural competence is an essential aspect of nursing practice that fosters improved patient outcomes, enhanced communication, trust, and reduced healthcare disparities. By recognizing its importance and actively working to develop cultural competence, nurses can make a significant difference in the lives of their patients and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system [4].

Nurses can play a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that promote cultural competence and address healthcare disparities. Cultural competence aligns closely with the principles of holistic nursing, which emphasizes caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Incorporating cultural competence into holistic nursing practice ensures that patients' cultural and spiritual beliefs are respected, leading to more comprehensive and patientcentred care. Cultural competence is not static; it requires ongoing learning and adaptation. As cultures evolve and new healthcare challenges arise, nurses must continue to expand their knowledge and skills to meet the changing needs of diverse patient populations. Cultural competence extends beyond local and national borders. In a globalized world, nurses may encounter patients from various cultural backgrounds, and the principles of cultural competence apply to international healthcare settings as well [5].

Conclusion

Cultural competence is an integral part of nursing practice that promotes equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all patients. It requires selfawareness, education, sensitivity, and active efforts to understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients. By embodying cultural competence, nurses contribute to a healthcare system that values diversity, reduces disparities, and ensures that every patient receives patient-centred care tailored to their unique needs. In conclusion, cultural competence is not just a skill but a fundamental aspect of nursing practice. It requires ongoing commitment and adaptability to provide the best possible care to diverse patient populations. As nurses continue to champion cultural competence, they play a vital role in building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for everyone. This conclusion emphasizes the role of advocacy, the alignment of cultural competence with holistic nursing, and the need for ongoing learning and adaptation in nursing practice.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Van Vliet, Maarten, Ilona WM Verburg, Mark Van Den Boogaard and Nicolette F. De Keizer, et al. "Trends in admission prevalence, illness severity and survival of haematological patients treated in Dutch intensive care units." Intensive Care Med 40 (2014): 1275-1284.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Konuk, Tuğba Gözütok and Deniz Tanyer. "Investigation of nursing students' perception of caring behaviors." J Caring Sci 8 (2019): 191.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Labrague, Leodoro J, Denise M. McEnroe‐Petitte, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou and Olaide B. Edet, et al. "Nursing students' perceptions of their own caring behaviors: A multicountry study." Int J Nurs 28 (2017): 225-232.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Cordeiro, Ana, Evandro D. Bezerra, Alexandre V. Hirayama and Joshua A. Hill, et al. "Late events after treatment with CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells." Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 26 (2020): 26-33.

Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Burns, Ethan A, Cesar Gentille, Barry Trachtenberg and Sai Ravi Pingali, et al. "Cardiotoxicity associated with anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy: Recognition, risk factors, and management." Diseases 9 (2021): 20.

Google Scholar, Crossref