Minority ethnic users experiences and expectations of nursing care

Abstract

Abstract:

During the last two decades, there has been a growing emphasis on the delivery of health care to meet the needs of minority ethnic patients, but there is less emphasis on the views of the patients themselves. This paper aimed to give minority ethnic groups the opportunity to voice their opinions on nursing care and to inform future nurse education. Focus groups were used to collect data. Six community groups, some of mixed ethnicity and some of specific ethnic identity, were included in the study. Data were analysed using a thematic approach and three themes were identified as representing the views of the participants. Participants identified that knowledge of cultural and religious practices were essential for nurses in order for them to understand the basis of their beliefs and practices. They also highlighted how the actions and behaviour of nurses either confirmed or ignored their specific requirements. They also recognised the inherent communication problems for those who had difficulty in communicating in English. Overall, they reiterated their need to be treated with dignity and respect. For nurse educators, the challenge is to develop not only the knowledge base of student nurses but also to help them translate that into practice that demonstrates cultural understanding and sensitivity.