Factors influencing nurse-to-parent communication in culturally sensitive pediatric care: a qualitative study

Background: To deliver quality healthcare to diverse patients, effective commmunication is key. Little evidence exists about what factors influence nurse-to-parent communication in culturally sensitive pediatric care. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence nurse-to-parent communication in the provision of culturally sensitive pediatric care. Design: This study employed a qualitative content analysis.

Method: The participants included 25 nurses and 9 parents from pediatric wards of hospitals located in Northwest and Central Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's method of content analysis.

Results: Factors that influenced the nurse-to-parent communication in pediatric culturally sensitive care were 1-organizational factors (inefficient policies and professional factors) and 2-human factors (nurse-related factors and unique characteristics of the family). Subcategories included: lack of definitive policies for delivering cultural healthcare, insufficient cultural healthcare education, professional status of nursing in society, time, individual characteristics, cultural knowledge, cultural differences, and family's health literacy.

Conclusion: The Iranian healthcare system requires a paradigm shift regarding the provision of culturally sensitive care.