Bridging cultural gaps in Eastern Europe

In today's globalized world, it’s imperative to address the cultural diversity in Eastern Europe, where ethnic, cultural, and language boundaries exist. This diversity brings cultural challenges to nurses' clinical practice, which can negatively impact patient outcomes. Identifying and understanding and these challenges is crucial to mitigate this impact. Enhancing cultural competence is an essential aspect of effective and high-quality nursing care for patients from various cultures, offering potential solutions to problems in clinical practice. Cultural competence in nursing means that nurses are able to adequately and effectively collaborate with patients from different cultures. It encompasses an understanding of one's own and the patient's cultural heritage, respecting the cultural differences between nurses and patients, and the ability to adapt care to the individual needs and preferences of patients from different cultures.

Cultural challenges in clinical practice
Cultural challenges are factors that cause certain problems and discomforts during interactions between nurses and patients from different cultures. These challenges can affect both the nurse and the patient.

• Language barriers: It is very important to eliminate this challenge in nurses' clinical practice. Misunderstandings in communication can lead to incorrect diagnosis and, consequently, inadequate care for patients from different cultures. Language is particularly important because it has been shown that patients and communities who are language minorities often receive lower quality care.
• Staff shortages: Nurses are expected to be able to devote enough time to each patient during their work shift, regardless of the sociocultural origin of the patients.

Cultural competence in nursing is not only an ethical mandate but also necessary to ensure high-quality care for all patients, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. As the European Union experiences a surge in migration, nurses are facing significant challenges as they are at the forefront of patient care. This highlights the need for a nursing workforce that can effectively address the complex healthcare needs of a diverse patient population. A comparative study of nursing practices in the Czech Republic and Slovakia has revealed the prevalence of cultural challenges. The study found that language difficulties and staff shortages are the most significant barriers. Nurses often face challenges in communicating effectively with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings and potential disparities in care delivery. Furthermore, the shortage of personnel worsens the situation, making it difficult for nurses to offer culturally sensitive care. However, it is worth noting that nurses who are fluent in three languages demonstrated an increased awareness of cultural subtleties. This emphasises the significance of language proficiency in improving cultural competence.

Perceptions and implementations of culturally competent care in critical care units
This qualitative study focuses on nurses' perceptions of culturally competent care in critical care settings in the Czech Republic. The study sheds light on the complexities of implementing such care in high-pressure environments. Nurses acknowledged the importance of cultural competence but also highlighted specific limitations within the intensive care units (ICUs). For example, in urgent medical situations, clinical interventions are often prioritised over cultural considerations. However, as nurses, we acknowledge the importance of cultural awareness, language skills development, and promotion of culturally competent care to enhance patient outcomes.

Strategies for enhancing cultural competence
Based on research, there are several ways to address the challenges and improve culturally competent care. First of all, education is very important. By integrating cultural competence into the nursing curriculum and providing continuous professional development opportunities, nurses can be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate cultural differences effectively. It’s also important to create an organisational culture that values diversity and promotes culturally sensitive practices.

Using language training and technology, like online translators and communication aids, can make a big difference in reducing language barriers and helping nurses communicate better with patients from different cultural backgrounds, guaranteeing that patients' cultural and linguistic requirements are comprehended and valued. This review I conducted found that a combination of traditional and innovative training methods could significantly enhance the cultural competence of nursing professionals. Effective tools included online programs, simulation training, and face-to-face workshops, each contributing uniquely to the learning experience. These educational interventions not only enhanced  awareness and comprehension of cultural diversity but also improved practical skills in delivering culturally sensitive care. The training content that included real-life examples, facilitated open discussions on cultural issues, and provided opportunities for self-reflection were particularly advantageous. Furthermore, I am pleased to report that incorporating evaluations to assess personal attitudes toward cultural differences was instrumental in the learning process. Our participants in these programmes reported enhanced confidence in their capacity to care for patients from diverse backgrounds, emphasising the favourable effect of cultural competence training on both healthcare providers and patients.