Cultural practices in intensive care and examination of culturally sensitive care

ABSTRACT Cultural Practices in Intensive Care and Examination of Culturally Sensitive Care Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the levels of cultural competence and intercultural sensitivity among intensive care nurses and to examine the cultural care needs of patients' relatives. Material and Method: The research was carried out in six different intensive care units of Adıyaman Training and Research Hospital using a convergent parallel mixed- methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 215 nurses using the "Cultural Competence Scale" and the "Intercultural Sensitivity Scale." Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 patients' relatives. Quantitative data were analyzed using t-test, correlation analysis, and ANOVA, while qualitative data were evaluated through thematic analysis. Results: Of the nurses, 63.5% were female with a mean age of 31.48±7.09 years. Among the patients' relatives, 14 were male and 16 were female. The nurses scored 70.22±17.70 on the Cultural Competence Scale and 81.76±14.90 on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. There was a statistically significant low-level positive correlation between the two scales (p<0.05). Within the context of the intensive care process, six main themes were identified regarding the cultural needs and understanding of cultural care among patients' relatives. These themes were: culturally appropriate communication, being informed and able to make decisions, participating in care with awareness, making choices that preserve privacy, ensuring attentiveness and protection, and receiving psychological support. Conclusion: It was found that an increase in nurses' intercultural sensitivity levels was associated with an increase in their cultural competence. Patients' relatives generally described their cultural care needs within the framework of communication, privacy, access to information, participation in the care process, a considerate approach, and psychological support. These findings indicate that culturally sensitive nursing care in intensive care units plays a critical role in improving both patient and family satisfaction, as well as the overall quality of care. Keywords: Culturally Sensitive Care, Cultural Practices, Intensive Care