Cultuursensitieve zorg vraagt méér dan goede intenties

Objective

This study aims to provide tools for improving culturally sensitive care in clinical practice by gaining insight into how healthcare professionals assess their own cultural competencies and what challenges they experience in providing such care.

Design

A mixed-methods study was conducted, combining a quantitative survey among nurses and physicians with qualitative focus groups including spiritual care providers.

Method

The survey was based on the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) and existing competency frameworks. Focus groups explored challenges in greater depth and were thematically analyzed.

Results

59 healthcare professionals completed the survey and three focus groups were held. Participants reported limited knowledge and skills but were open to feedback and training. A discrepancy was found between individual assessments and team positioning within the DMIS. Physicians found code status discussions most challenging, nurses mainly admission interviews.

Conclusion

Ten themes with practical recommendations were formulated, offering a foundation for sustainable improvements in culturally sensitive care.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.