Organisational cultural competence needed to care for foreign patients: A focus on nursing management

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore the organisational level of the cultural competence needed to care for foreign patients from the Korean clinical registered nurses’ perspective. Background: Owing to the increasing foreign resident population in Korea, health care organisations face challenges arising from cultural differences. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of these changes on nursing care and management. Method: Participants were 16 clinical registered nurses from six general hospitals. Data were collected through individual in-depth and focus group interviews. Transcribed data were analysed by deductive content analysis. Results: Data were classified into three categories: information, resources and incentives. Information included a systematic staff training programme and clear practice guidelines. Resources included convenient and credible interpretation services and adequate tools and materials, and incentives were referred to managerial support. Conclusion: Korean registered nurses perceived a lack of organisational support for caring for foreign patients. System-wide support and active unit-level intervention of nursing managers are essential for successful transformation towards a culturally competent organisation. Implication for nursing management: Registered nurses should play leadership roles to establish a dedicated nursing team or committee to create a supportive working environment and implement a monitoring system so that their organisations move towards greater cultural competence.