Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Volume 30, Issue 4, 2019, Pages 394-402

Cultural Competences Gained Through an Education Program as Ethnic Patient Coordinator: A Qualitative Study (Article)

Nielsen D.S.* , Korsholm K.M. , Mottelson I. , Sodemann M.
  • a Center for Global Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Health Sciences Research Centre, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark, Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
  • b Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
  • c Center for Global Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
  • d Center for Global Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, Migrant Health Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown that health care professionals lack cultural knowledge and cultural competences in the care of patients with a minority background. The aim of this study was to explore whether a cultural teaching program, the so-called ethnic patient coordinator program, had an impact on health professionals’ self-perceived clinical competences in the encounter with the minority patient. Methodology: The study was designed as a qualitative study using participant observation and semistructured interviews with a practice-led research approach. In total, 30 health professionals participated in the program. Results/Discussion: The coordinators described that they had learned to focus systematically on reducing language barriers and to overcome prejudices. Their new competences not only had a direct influence on patient-related practical skills but also affected the practice culture and their colleagues’ approach to vulnerable patients with a minority background. Conclusion/Implication: The presence of an ethnic patient coordinator team may give rise to a more migrant-friendly and culturally competent hospital. © The Author(s) 2019.

Author Keywords

culture cultural competences research methods teaching program Inequality qualitative

Index Keywords

Prejudice semi structured interview Clinical Competence education program skill language cultural competence qualitative research Article teaching human adult migrant
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85060930280&doi=10.1177%2f1043659618823923&partnerID=40&md5=976d401859a9dd41168f9ed4342a055b
DOI: 10.1177/1043659618823923
ISSN: 10436596
Original Language: English