Intercultural Sensitivity Levels and Cultural Difference Perceptions of Physicians and Nurses

Year 2019, Erken Baskı, 01.01.2019

Nilgün Aksoy Merve Gönül Akkoç

Abstract

DOI: 10.26650/FNJN18002

Aim: This study was conducted to determine
the level of intercultural sensitivity of the physicians and nurses.

Method: This research was a descriptive
study. The sample group of the study were physicians (n=70) and nurses (n=87)
working in the Public Hospital. 64.3% of physicians and 71.3% of nurses participated
in the study. Data were collected between April, May and June 2017. Data of the
study were collected by a questionnaire including personal information and
Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS). The questionnaire also includes an
open-ended question of “What are cultural difference elements you describe in
patients to whom you administer treatment and provide care”. Descriptive
statistics related to the variables were calculated and Parametric and
non-parametric tests were performed.

Results: In the present study, ISS mean
scores were determined as 3.46±0.48 for the physicians and 3.48±0.47 for the
nurses. There was no significant difference between the marital status of
physicians and nurses and the total score of the scale (p>0.05).The
interaction engagement scores of single physicians and nurses were higher than
the married ones. Interaction enjoyment mean scores were higher in the
participants speaking a foreign language than those not speaking a foreign
language. There were significant difference between ISS total scores and
interaction engagement, respect for cultural differences and interaction
confidence subscales of physicians and nurses who have previous interaction
with individuals from different cultures. Mean scores of the participants not receiving
the training on cultural sensitivity were higher in the subscales of
interaction engagement and interaction attentiveness (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It is recommended for
physicians and nurses to try to increase their cultural sensitivity by knowing
more people from different cultures. It is also recommended to develop language
competence of the institutions in which they work and make plans to provide
opportunities for physicians and nurses to gain experience abroad and cultural
sensitivity education.

Cite this article as: Aksoy, N, Akkoç, M.
G. (2019). Intercultural sensitivity levels and cultural difference perceptions
of physicians and nurses. FNJN Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing, 27(3),

https://doi.org/10.26650/FNJN18002

Keywords

Culture, cultural difference, intercultural sensitivity, nurse, physician

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