Culturally Sensitive Care in Critical Care: Insights from an Integrative Review to Inform Practice and Policy

This integrative review examines the important role of culturally sensitive care in critical care. As patient populations grow increasingly diverse, the review identifies key barriers, including communication challenges, educational gaps, and insufficient organizational support, that restrict the delivery of equitable, patient-centered care. Six themes emerged: education and competency development, self-awareness, communication, spiritual and religious needs, interprofessional collaboration, and organizational support. The findings support the need for experiential learning, reflective practice, and organizational commitment to foster empathy, cultural humility, and effective communication. Integrating these elements is essential to improving outcomes for diverse patients and families in critical care.