How Do We Approach Quality Care for Patients from Middle Eastern Countries? A Phenomenological Study of Korean Nurses’ Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: Although more people from Middle Eastern countries are visiting South Korea for medical treatment, Korean nurses lack experience in treating them. Understanding and describing Korean nurses' experiences can help them provide quality care to these patients by enhancing their competency in culturally appropriate care. This study described the experiences of nurses who provide care to Middle Eastern patients in clinical settings in South Korea.

Methods: We conducted a phenomenological study to describe nurses' experience of caring for patients from Middle Eastern countries. Ten nurses with prior experience in caring for these patients were recruited from a university-affiliated tertiary hospital. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted between May 1 and June 4, 2020. The transcribed data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method to identify the primary and minor categories representing nurses' experiences.

Results: Four major categories (new experiences in caring for culturally diverse patients, challenges in caring for patients in a culturally appropriate manner, nursing journey of mutual agreement with culturally diverse patients, and being and becoming more culturally competent) and 11 subcategories were identified.

Conclusion: Nurses experience various challenges when caring for Middle Eastern patients with diverse language and cultural needs. However, nurses strive to provide high-quality care using various approaches and experience positive emotions through this process. To provide quality care to these patients, hospital environments and educational programs must be developed that center on field nurses and students and support them in delivering quality care while utilizing their cultural capabilities.