Transcultural nursing: how do nurses respond to cultural needs?

The aim of the study was to explore how nurses responded to the cultural needs of their clients. From the transcultural point of view, healthcare providers must deliver a service that is culturally sensitive and appropriate. However, for a variety of reasons, there is growing concern that the cultural healthcare needs of minority ethnic groups are not met adequately. This study was done to outline nurses' activity in transcultural care. Empirical data were obtained from a sample of registered nurses (n = 126) who were invited to complete questionnaires pertaining to cultural care. As a result of data analysis, the quantitative findings are presented as tables and the qualitative data as categories and themes. The findings suggest that most respondents felt that patients' cultural needs should be given consideration. Cultural aspects of care seem to be a feature of the overall nursing picture within a multicultural context of health care. Many participants claimed that they responded to the cultural needs of patients. Some felt that patients' cultural needs are adequately met; such needs are perceived as religious practices, diets, communication, dying, prayer and culture. Furthermore, a significant number of respondents suggested that they would like further education in meeting the cultural needs of their patients. This study offers some insights into transcultural healthcare practice, and, in accordance with the findings, identifies strategies for improving these practices for nursing and nurse education.