(What Not to Do?)Intercultural communication in the Nurse-Client Relationship
It was evident that a therapeutic relationship was lacking between the health care workers and the labouring mother from Nigeria. This was due to the lack of sensitivity on the part of the healthcare workers. The reason for the disconnect during the former part of the video was due to the emic perspective of the client versus the etic perspective of the nurse (video analysis article). Both the healthcare workers and the client had different cultural backgrounds along with a pronounced language barrier. The relationship between the labouring client from Nigeria, the Doctor and nurses did not illustrate a positive therapeutic connection because of the lack of intercultural communication. The Nigerian woman did not feel comfortable with the healthcare workers as they did not utilize any form of intercultural communication. This resulted in a disconnect between healthcare worker and client. Talk to the client and not the interpreter. Maintain eye contact as appropriate. Looking at the client directly reinforces that the communication is between the provider and the client, assisted by the interpreter. This also allows the provider to assess the non-verbal reactions and responsesNon-verbal communication is useful in conveying and receiving information. Techniques such as demonstration, gestures, the use of pictures or symbols, and written translations of information are useful in communicating with the client. Observing non-verbal reactions, such as facial expression, body posturing and tone of voice, is useful in assessing the client.Creativity and commitment to client-focusedcare are the key attributes necessary to integratecultural preferences into the plan of care.Leininger (1991) has identified three modes ofaction or approaches that can be used to guidenursing judgments.Talk to the client and not the interpreter.Maintain eye contact as appropriate. Lookingat the client directly reinforces that thecommunication is between the provider andthe client, assisted by the interpreter. This alsoallows the provider to assess the non-verbalreactions and responses.Restrictive body language, such as the crossingof arms, using a gruff voice, rolling the eyes andlooking at a watch while talking to a client, givesa silent message that the nurse is not interestedin the client.The Video did not follow the CNO guidelines in providing Culturally Sensitive CareBoundaries related to gender and privacyCommunication normsThe nurse is responsible for assessing and responding appropriately to the clients cultural expectations and needsLack of privacy = lack of respectInappropriate body languageClient Centered Care?
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