Resigned indifference: An explanation of gaps in care for culturally and linguistically diverse patients'

Abstract

Aims: To develop a theory that explains students and registered nurses' behaviours when caring for culturally and linguistically diverse patients'.

Background: Despite ongoing calls for improvements to the quality of patient care, the continued reports of substandard care to patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds are concerning.

Methods: A classic grounded theory methodology incorporating focus groups (n-10) and individual interviews (n-30) with students and registered nurses in one region of Ireland.

Findings: Participants resolved their main concern of uncertainty through disengagement (masking, distancing and fitting in), which was sustained by resigned indifference, resulting in gaps in care. Resigned indifference explains how participants were aware of the consequences of disengagement, but became resigned and accepting of substandard care.

Conclusion: This study explains how nurses want to provide quality care, but gaps in care to culturally and linguistically diverse patients' are perpetuated through resigned indifference.

Implications for nursing management: Nurse managers need to understand nurses' behaviours as a means of supporting collective ways of addressing gaps in care for culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Strategic leadership in developing culturally responsive structures is essential. Nurturing nursing values such as commitment, compassion and courage through education and leadership is a priority.

Keywords: cultural diversity; gaps in care; grounded theory; nurses' behaviour; resigned indifference.