Citation

Tuohy D, Wallace E. Emerg. Nurse 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, RCN Publishing)

DOI

10.7748/en.2022.e2122

PMID

35266350

Abstract

Globalisation and migration trends are reflected in emergency departments (EDs), which increasingly care for patients and employ staff from diverse cultural and/or ethnic backgrounds. EDs are busy, pressured and unpredictable environments where effective communication with patients and families is challenging at the best of times. This is compounded by language and cultural barriers experienced by patients and families whose background differs from the prevailing culture. Cultural differences and language comprehension may also be a challenge for overseas nurses recruited to the ED, who may need support from colleagues and organisations. ED nurses therefore need to be competent in intercultural communication. This involves combining optimal interpersonal skills with cultural awareness, knowledge and sensitivity.

Language: en

Keywords

language; accident and emergency; communication; cultural competence; culture; diversity; emergency care; families; nurse-patient relations; patient attitudes; patients; professional; professional issues; staff attitudes