Haemodialysis Nurses' Self-Reported Cultural Competence and Responsiveness: A Cross-Sectional Survey

People receiving in-centre haemodialysis have distinct cultural care needs and preferences, and nurses are expected to respond to these. However, haemodialysis nurses' cultural competence and responsiveness are unknown.

To examine nurses' cultural competence and responsiveness when caring for people with diverse cultural characteristics.

An online cross-sectional survey.

Haemodialysis nurses from Australia and New Zealand (n = 123), recruited through the Renal Society of Australasia and professional networks.

The 25-item Cultural Competence Assessment instrument measured cultural awareness and sensitivity, and culturally responsive behaviours. Demographic characteristics were also collected.

Of 123 complete responses, overall cultural competence was high (M = 5.09, SD = 0.76), particularly awareness and sensitivity (M = 5.76, SD = 0.53), with significantly higher scores among those who had completed cultural awareness training (p = 0.009). In contrast, culturally responsive behaviours were moderate (M = 4.53, SD = 1.23), highlighting the gap between cultural competence and responsiveness. The lowest scoring areas were documentation of patients' cultural needs (M = 3.88, SD = 2.02) and access to cultural learning resources (M = 3.02, SD = 1.75), indicating limited supports. Qualitative findings reflected practices of culture care preservation and accommodation, with themes of cultural awareness and language differences highlighting barriers related to language and resources.

High cultural competence does not necessarily translate into culturally responsive behaviour. Organisational supports, including guidance for documenting cultural needs, cultural assessment tools and accessible learning resources, may help strengthen culturally responsive haemodialysis care.