(What Not to Do?)Intercultural Communication in the Nurse-Client Relationship [13+]

It was evident that a therapeutic relationship was lacking between the health care workers and the labouring mother from Nigeria. This was due to the lack of sensitivity on the part of the healthcare workers. The reason for the disconnect during the former part of the video was due to the emic perspective of the client versus the etic perspective of the nurse (video analysis article). Both the healthcare workers and the client had different cultural backgrounds along with a pronounced language barrier. The relationship between the labouring client from Nigeria, the Doctor and nurses did not illustrate a positive therapeutic connection because of the lack of intercultural communication. The Nigerian woman did not feel comfortable with the healthcare workers as they did not utilize any form of intercultural communication. This resulted in a disconnect between healthcare worker and client.


Talk to the client and not the interpreter. Maintain eye contact as appropriate. Looking at the client directly reinforces that the communication is between the provider and the client, assisted by the interpreter. This also allows the provider to assess the non-verbal reactions and responses

Non-verbal communication is useful in conveying and receiving information. Techniques such as demonstration, gestures, the use of pictures or symbols, and written translations of information are useful in communicating with the client. Observing non-verbal reactions, such as facial expression, body posturing and tone of voice, is useful in assessing the client.

Creativity and commitment to client-focused
care are the key attributes necessary to integrate
cultural preferences into the plan of care.
Leininger (1991) has identified three modes of
action or approaches that can be used to guide
nursing judgments.

Talk to the client and not the interpreter.
Maintain eye contact as appropriate. Looking
at the client directly reinforces that the
communication is between the provider and
the client, assisted by the interpreter. This also
allows the provider to assess the non-verbal
reactions and responses.

Restrictive body language, such as the crossing
of arms, using a gruff voice, rolling the eyes and
looking at a watch while talking to a client, gives
a silent message that the nurse is not interested
in the client.

The Video did not follow the CNO guidelines in providing Culturally Sensitive Care

Boundaries related to gender and privacy
Communication norms
The nurse is responsible for assessing and responding appropriately to the clients cultural expectations and needs
Lack of privacy = lack of respect
Inappropriate body language
Client Centered Care?