Cultural Competence Perspectives From Nurses in Four Asian Countries: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Authors

  • Praneed Songwathana Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
  • Sopen Chunuan Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
  • Shutiwan Purinthrapibal Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
  • Karnsunaphat Balthip Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
  • Tao Hui Kunming Medical College, Kunming, China.
  • Kusman Ibrahim Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia.
  • Luu Thi Thuy Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.2020767

Keywords:

Asian nurses, cultural competence, perceptions

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe the perception of cultural competence (CC) among nurses of four Asian countries. 

Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was carried out, including fourteen nurses for in-depth interviews and 63 nurses for 8 focus group discussions being purposively selected from four Asian countries. Data were analyzed based on content analysis. 

Results: The participants defined CC as similar to cultural care, and described their CC in four main themes: (1) caring focus for patients with different cultures, (2) valuing holistic care/ patient-centered nursing, (3) preparing for living with God or Buddha, and (4) considering the social norms and patient rights. Assessment of the patient’s cultural background and myths contrary to medicine, along with having professional nursing knowledge, skills, and experience were the components of CC. 

Conclusion: The participants have addressed their CC in providing culturally, congruent care with a universal, holistic, and empathetic approach. Nurses should be trained to develop skills in multicultural care and language and made aware of their patients’ cultural beliefs. Further, CC scales for nurses working in the selected, four Asian countries should be developed. 

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Published

2020-10-27

How to Cite

1.
Songwathana P, Chunuan S, Purinthrapibal S, Balthip K, Hui T, Ibrahim K, Thi Thuy L. Cultural Competence Perspectives From Nurses in Four Asian Countries: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. J Health Sci Med Res [Internet]. 2020 Oct. 27 [cited 2024 Apr. 26];39(1):57-66. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/255230

Issue

VOL 39, NO 1(2021): Jan-Feb

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Original Article

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