Cultural and communicative competence in the caring relationship with patients from another culture.

BACKGROUND

The global and multicultural society of today creates challenges that require multicultural competence among individuals, especially within caring contexts.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study assumes an intercultural perspective, and the aim is to uncover a new understanding of the caring community between nurses and patients when these do not speak the same language. The research question is: What is the significance of communication in a caring community when nurses and patients do not speak the same language?

METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN AND METHOD

This qualitative study uses a hermeneutical approach. The material was collected through questionnaires with eight nurses and two adults from another culture. The texts were analysed through latent content analysis.

ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL

Study participation, data storage and handling for research purposes were approved by the participants when they provided their informed consent. Permission to conduct the study was granted by an ethical committee of a hospital organisation.

RESULTS

Human love is the basis for a caring relationship since it reaches beyond the limits of cultural differences. Integrity is vital for cultural respect and especially for the consideration of spiritual needs in the caring relationship. An affirming presence is essential for communion. Creative courage is fundamental for communication, and continuous information is vital for establishing trust within the caring relationship.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

One limitation to this study might be the limited number of participants (ten).

CONCLUSIONS

Caring for a patient from another culture requires that nurses are open-minded and have the courage to encounter new challenges. It is essential for nurses to respect the patient's integrity but also to acquire knowledge in order to improve their cultural competence. Further research within this area should focus on the role of next of kin in intercultural caring and on how leadership may contribute to improving cultural competence within health organisations.