Cross-Cultural Communication in Oncology: Challenges and Training Interests

Abstract

The results reported in the current study may help nurses in decision-making positions and educators in introducing elements of cross-cultural education into oncology curricula for nurses. Cross-cultural training should be offered to oncology nurses.

The implementation and evaluation of a communication skills training program for oncology nurses

“…Second, communication skills training for nurses can also be a supportive platform for nurses to seek help in areas they find challenging. Prior research highlights that oncology nurses have limited opportunities to receive communication training [13,15,16], and report a greater need for more education on communication [15]. Ineffective communication may negatively affect the nurses by increasing their levels of stress, lack of job satisfaction, and emotional burnout [40,41].…”

“…Qualitative reports from focus group discussions with oncology nurses also reiterate the findings that difficult family dynamics (e.g., family member behaving aggressively toward patient or demanding staff attention), patient behaviors (e.g., behaviors, psychiatric symptoms and/or lack of emotional disclosure to staff), and end-of-life care issues (e.g., navigating intrafamily barriers to prognostic understanding) often interfere with psychosocial care [14]. These aspects of care may be challenging because patients come from culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds [15]. Nurses are trained for clinical expertise but often need support in handling such delicate patient situations.…”

Perceptions of Survivorship Care among Latina Women with Breast Cancer in Los Angeles County

“…Ferrell argues that nurses are well‐positioned to assess and communicate with patients and family members about values and needs, and to advocate for addressing unmet needs (Ferrell, McCabe, & Levit, ). Some nurses may also benefit from additional training in communication around sensitive topics such as poor prognosis, particularly in cross‐cultural settings (Weber, Sulstarova, & Singy, ). Nurse navigator programs have been implemented by many health care organizations to assist women in the process of obtaining care from screening through treatment, and could additionally address information and care coordination needs of women transitioning to the survivorship phase of care.…”

Achieving culturally competent cancer care: A qualitative study drawing on the perspectives of cancer survivors and oncology nurses

“…Intense global migration in some parts of the world, present particular challenges in oncology healthcare, due to the social and cultural demands this places on host services (Weber et al, 2016). Culture is an important social determinant of health, which can influence access and delivery of safe and appropriate health services (Surbone, 2008).…”

“…In oncology settings, cultural competency requires specific knowledge and clinical skill that support nursing activities (Huang et al, 2009;Sulstarova, 2016). Culturally competent nursing care is seen to contribute to the reduction of health disparities through assessment of survivor's health beliefs and cultural needs using the complex combination of cultural knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and skills (Douglas et al, 2014).…”