Cultural competence in nursing: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background: Cultural competence is one of the principal foundations of clinical nursing. It has not yet been clearly defined and analysed and there are different views regarding this issue.

Objective: Analyzing the concept of cultural competence in nursing.

Design: A concept analysis.

Data sources: The literature was searched using electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Wiley, Ovid, Magiran, and SID with no date limitation. Any quantitative or qualitative studies published in English or Persian, which were focused on cultural competence in nursing were included in the study.

Review methods: Walker and Avant's strategy for concept analysis was used. The attributes, antecedents, consequences, and uses of the concept were identified.

Results: A total of 43 articles were included. The six defining attributes of cultural competence were cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural sensitivity, cultural skill, cultural proficiency, and dynamicity. Antecedents included cultural diversity, cultural encounter and interaction, cultural desire, cultural humility, general humanistic competencies, educational preparation, and organizational support. The consequences of cultural competence were also identified: those related to care receivers, those related to care providers, and health-related consequences.

Conclusion: A theoretical definition and a conceptual model of cultural competence were developed. The attributes, antecedents, and consequences of cultural competence identified in this study can be used in nursing education, research, and managerial and organizational planning.

Keywords: Concept analysis; Cultural competence; Nursing.