Interpersonal Communication in Transcultural Nursing Care in India: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Good communication is crucial for safe and effective nursing care and is necessary in building interpersonal relationships with patients. The increase of global interactions in health care adds to the necessity of developing culturally competent communication in nursing. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of interpersonal communication as experienced by nurses working in culturally diverse hospitals in India. Method: A descriptive qualitative method, analyzing 12 semistructured interviews conducted with nurses at two hospitals. Results: The study’s themes focus on tools and techniques for working with culturally diverse patients and how to sustain the quality of care in diverse hospital settings. Language resources, language tools, and cultural knowledge were useful aids for nurses when communicating with transcultural patients. It helped the nurses gain confidence and foresee patient needs. Discussion: Highlighting transcultural interpersonal communication techniques within nursing offers a safer and more productive practice of nursing care.