Using cultural safety to enhance nursing care for children and young people

Nurs Child Young People. 2022 Nov 3;34(6):36-42. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2022.e1407. Epub 2022 Jul 6.

Abstract

People from minority groups frequently experience adversity in various aspects of their lives, including when accessing healthcare services. Culture has a significant role in all healthcare encounters between nurses, multidisciplinary teams, and children and young people and their families. This article defines culture and explains the importance of considering people's cultural values, beliefs and practices when providing care. It outlines the principles of cultural safety - an approach that incorporates ideas such as cultural awareness, sensitivity and competence - and describes how it can enhance the care of children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Keywords: child health; cultural competence; culture; discrimination; diversity; equality; inclusion; professional; transcultural care.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cultural Competency
  • Humans
  • Nursing Care*