Cultural awareness of Inuit patients' experiences with emergency nursing care

Abstract

Around 1500 Inuit patients fly annually from Nunavik to hospital centres in Montreal. This is a tense experience for many Inuit, due to cultural differences, and task-driven nursing practices often inadequately meeting their holistic health beliefs. In this qualitative study, we explored the experiences of Inuit patients with emergency nursing (EN) in the McGill University Health Centre, to inform on the best holistic nursing practices to meet culturally specific needs. Data analysis from semi-structured interviews with four participants generated a single theme: "rationalizing the care". While staying in the emergency department (ED), Inuit patients progressed through three steps in this rationalization process: first impressions of EN, perceiving the realities of EN, and appreciating EN care. "Being away from home" emerged as a stressor, and "other Inuit support", acted as a mediator. The participants in this study felt they had been shown culturally sensitive treatment through being kept informed, and skills of the nurses. As instruments of healing, therefore, the nurses in this study were able to apply a holistic approach to provide culturally sensitive care. Participants also highlighted speaking the same language and having direct access to an interpreter as key to improving ED experiences.