How to promote cultural competence in nursing practice

Cultural competence, which encompasses cultural awareness, cultural skills, cultural desire, cultural encounters and self-efficacy, is essential for delivering effective, equitable, person-centred care and improving health outcomes in a diverse population. This 'How to' article details ways in which nurses can promote cultural competence in nursing practice, by taking practical steps to ensure they and the organisations they work for are providing accessible and culturally relevant care and services that meet the needs of local populations. • Nurses should critically reflect on their cultural background and consider how it may influence their practice and interactions with patients from backgrounds different to their own. • Reviewing, evaluating and updating local resources related to cultural competence can help to ensure these are current and fit for purpose. • Interacting with diverse cultural groups, for example through local community events, can enhance cultural awareness and connection between healthcare providers and patients from diverse backgrounds. • Requesting and sharing constructive feedback on interactions with and care approaches to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds can help nurses to identify cultural competence development needs. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when delivering care to individuals from cultural groups different from your own. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or enable colleagues to practise and promote cultural competence.