Recognising and respecting patients’ cultural diversity
Intended for healthcare professionals
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Recognising and respecting patients’ cultural diversity

Alex McClimens Senior research fellow, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
Jacqui Brewster Senior lecturer, Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
Robin Lewis Senior lecturer, Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield

Aim

To explore nursing students’ experiences of caring for patients from different and often unfamiliar cultural backgrounds.

Method

Focus group discussions were conducted with nursing students from mental health, learning disability and adult nursing in one university, to obtain qualitative information about areas of difficulty in providing culturally competent care.

Findings

Nursing students expressed difficulties and challenges meeting the cultural needs of patients, with particular focus on issues related to language, food and gender.

Conclusion

Nursing students need to prepare for work in a culturally diverse healthcare setting and should receive education and training in this area to ensure ongoing personal and professional development.

Nursing Standard. 28, 28, 45-52. doi: 10.7748/ns2014.03.28.28.45.e8148

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 16 July 2013

Accepted: 20 September 2013

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