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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.