Cultural intelligence of nurses in multicultural pediatric settings: a systematic literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0222e.45433Keywords:
cultural diversity; cultural intelligence; transcultural nursing; family; migrant childrenAbstract
Introduction: In Portugal, cultural diversity is a reality in pediatric healthcare contexts, where nurses face multiple barriers in caring for migrant children and families.
Objective: To describe how the cultural intelligence of nurses contributes to improving the care provided to immigrant children/young people and their families.
Methods: This is a systematic literature review, conducted between 2019 and 2024, using CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed through the equation (Cultural competence OR Cultural diversity OR Transcultural OR Culturally competent care) AND (Child OR Pediatric OR Adolescent OR Family) AND (Nurs*). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzing according to the PRISMA 2020 recommendations, seven studies(five primary and two secondary with 47 articles) were included in the final synthesis.
Results: Nurses face communication challenges when caring for migrant children and families, requiring the overcoming of linguistic and cultural barriers in interactions with children and their families. The application of cultural competencies enables care that is sensitive to children and families’ beliefs, values, and spirituality. Continuous self-reflection and training in cultural diversity enhance nurses’ ability to provide culturally competent care.
Conclusion: Cultural intelligence has proven to be an essential competence, promoting family satisfaction, treatment adherence, and better health outcomes. Therefore, the adoption of educational strategies and institutional policies ensuring equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive care is necessary.
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