The RCN Mental Health Forum Dennis sub group hosted a listening event about culturally sensitive care. The forum members’ discussions captured in this piece of art by @leannewalker consider how to progress this.

This blog is based on the conversations held from the Dennis sub group listening webinar regarding culturally sensitive care. For more information about the work of the Dennis group see: Our work.

1) Don’t make assumptions

Culturally appropriate care, also called ‘culturally competent care’ is about being sensitive to people’s cultural identity or heritage. Within this context, culture, although difficult to define, stems from what a person identifies with. 

An important part of this is ensuring that we also ask the right questions of colleagues and patients – what is it like working on this ward with me or receiving care from me?

The staff member should ask how we can promote psychological safety and ensure that everyone feels safe to share their views and ideas. Championing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a key part of making people feel safe and all aspects of care should be informed by wide ranging consultation. In particular change should be considered from an equality impact assessment with questions around how any proposed changes champion equality, diversity and inclusion.

2) It is everyone’s responsibility

Patients need to feel comfortable and psychologically safe enough to explore their beliefs and values. This can be difficult as patients may have had previous experience of prejudice and othering. Nurses must ensure that everyone is able to challenge their assumptions about people from other cultures/beliefs and demonstrate that they have a non-judgemental approach. Involving family members, friends and trusted community leaders can help people to feel safe in voicing their cultural values and preferences about treatments.

The groups were clear that the provision of culturally sensitive care and workplaces cannot be left to minority groups; it is everyone’s responsibility. Allyship is a process of building and nurturing supportive relationships with  marginalised, or discriminated individuals or groups and has a key role to play within this context.

3) We need to acknowledge that it is not easy

At the heart of culturally sensitive care provision is the acceptance that no one is immune from making mistakes. It also means acknowledging that we may have been afforded privilege due to belonging to certain social groups. Acknowledging this allows them to transfer the benefits of this where possible and acknowledge, challenge and act when any bias is observed.   

Culturally sensitive care is a commitment to acknowledging mistakes and owning them, apologising for them, and reflecting on how to reduce the risk of them happening again by demonstrating gratitude for the opportunity to develop. Allyship acknowledges that identity is complex, can be hidden and not something that people can step outside of.

Finally we reflected on our responsibilities as nurses

Nurses must adhere to the (Nursing and Midwifery Code NMC 2018) which states that “you make sure that those receiving care are treated with respect, that their rights are upheld and that any discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards those receiving care are challenged” and “make sure that people’s physical, social, and psychological needs are assessed and responded to”.

Thank you to everyone that contributed.