Cultural Diversity, Culture, and Cultural Competence in Nursing

 

 

Cultural Diversity, Culture, and Cultural Competence in Nursing

Cultural diversity refers to the variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society, highlighting the differences in beliefs, values, and practices that influence individuals’ perspectives and interactions. According to Purnell (2013), culture encompasses the shared values, norms, and practices of a group, which are passed down through generations and shape an individual’s worldview. Cultural competence, as defined by Campinha-Bacote (2002), is the ability of healthcare providers to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It requires continuous learning and self-reflection to provide culturally appropriate care.

For this discussion, I will focus on ethnicity as a way people can be diverse. A research report by Betancourt et al. (2016) emphasizes the importance of ethnic diversity in healthcare settings. The study highlights that patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds often face barriers in accessing healthcare, including language differences, mistrust of healthcare providers, and varying health beliefs. The authors suggest that culturally competent care can improve health outcomes by enhancing communication and fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.

In my nursing practice, applying the findings from this research is crucial for delivering effective patient-centered care. Understanding the unique ethnic backgrounds of my patients allows me to tailor my approach to meet their specific needs. For instance, I can utilize interpreters when language barriers exist and take the time to learn about cultural health beliefs that may influence treatment decisions. By acknowledging and respecting ethnic diversity, I can create a more inclusive environment that empowers patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.

References:

– Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2016). Defining cultural competence: A practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Public Health Reports, 121(4), 493-502.
– Campinha-Bacote, J. (2002). The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services: A Model of Care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 181-184.
– Purnell, L. D. (2013). Transcultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.