Transcultural Care During the Dying Process: A Phenomenological Study of Nurses' Experiences

Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting patients during the dying process. A transcultural perspective is crucial to provide individualized, respectful care that addresses cultural beliefs, values, and practices. Despite growing attention to cultural competence in palliative care, little is known about how nurses integrate these dimensions in daily practice. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of palliative and oncology nurses regarding culturally sensitive end-of-life care. A phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 oncology nurses working in 2 hospitals in Mallorca (Spain). Analysis revealed diverse understandings of death and highlighted cultural, spiritual, and religious factors as central to the provision of end-of-life care. Nurses underscored the need to integrate these dimensions systematically into professional practice. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity in palliative care, particularly in multicultural contexts such as Mallorca. Incorporating transcultural and spiritual dimensions into nursing practice may foster more holistic, dignified, and patient-centered end-of-life care.