Issues commonly faced by nurses caring for international patients: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To identify common challenges nurses face when caring for international patients, irrespective of specialty, medical facility, or nursing experience.

Background: Internationalization in medical facilities is progressing worldwide, and the number of international patients is increasing, as is evident in Japan.

Introduction: Delivering high-quality nursing care to international patients can be challenging owing to language and socio-cultural barriers. Research examining the challenges faced by nurses in these situations is limited. It is necessary to clarify and analyze the current situation when interacting with international patients.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 registered nurses experienced in caring for non-Japanese patients. Qualitative content analysis was performed following Mayring's approach.

Results: We identified 56 subcategories, 23 categories, and 8 core categories for challenges faced by nurses interacting with international patients: language, religion or culture, medical culture, financial status, treatment continuity, care support, hospital protocols, and addressing requests or requirements for international patients.

Discussion: This study analyzed the religious, lifestyle, and cultural differences (along with the various language and communication barriers) faced by nurses who treat international patients. It also discussed the need for accessible, cross-cultural information in hospitals that have limited accommodations for international patients.

Conclusion: Nurses could be more accommodating of patients' religions, lifestyles, and cultures by familiarizing themselves with relevant background information beforehand.

Implications for nursing policy: Differences in health care cultures across countries can lead to malpractice, as dealing with cultural differences is difficult for nurses who interact with international patients and they may not be fully informed about the challenges posed by such differences. It is important for nurses to share their experiences in dealing with international patients and prepare for the increasing number of international patients in the future.

Keywords: Japan; communication barriers; cross-cultural; health care; international patients; nurses; nursing care; qualitative research.