Ms SARA ARYAL1, PAUL, BENNETT1, AREUM HYUN1, ROCHELLE WYNNE2, MELISSA BLOOMER1,3
1SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY,GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, BRISBANE,, AUSTRALIA, 2SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY, CENTRE FOR QUALITY & PATIENT SAFETY RESEARCH IN THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH TRANSFORMATION, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY, GEELONG, , AUSTRALIA, 3SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, LA TROBE UNIVERSITY, BUNDOORA, , AUSTRALIA
Biography:
Sara is a renal nurse and a lecturer in nursing. She is currently undertaking a PhD and has a strong passion for equitable, culturally responsive Kidney care.
Abstract:
Introduction: People with diverse cultural characteristics have distinct care needs and preferences, which, if unmet, can negatively affect healthcare experiences. However, little is known about how clinicians recognise or respond to patients’ cultural needs and preferences in haemodialysis.
Aim: To explore if and how clinicians recognise and respond to patients’ cultural needs and preferences in haemodialysis.
Methods: Using non-participant observation in two Australian metropolitan haemodialysis centres, 46 clinicians were observed across 24 episodes of observation, lasting 1.5–3.5 hours (total 56 hours). Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.
Findings: Four themes emerged: (i) recognising cultural background, (ii) accommodating cultural commitments, (iii) cultural dietary preferences, and (iv) overcoming language barriers. Clinicians were observed asking patients about their heritage and migration history and using culturally respectful terms. Conflicts between culturally specific dietary needs and renal dietary requirements were managed through treatment modifications or referral to a dietitian. Conflicts between cultural commitments, such as funerals, and dialysis schedules were managed through flexible scheduling where feasible. Strategies used to overcome language barriers included simplified language, repetition, use of gestures, visual aids, and translation applications. Where possible, nurses were allocated to care for patients with shared culture or language. Cultural responsiveness varied between clinicians and clinical situations, affecting how patients’ cultural needs were addressed.
Conclusion: Inconsistencies in recognition and response to patients’ cultural needs and preferences could be improved by strengthening organisational policies and guidelines to ensure equitable and culturally responsive haemodialysis care.