Activité réflexive novatrice auprès d’étudiantes en sciences infirmières sur la diversité culturelle dans les soins

Abstract

Context: The development of nursing students’ cultural competency is recognized as a way to promote culturally sensitive care and to reduce health care disparities (AIIC, 2010; Blanchet Garneau, 2013).

Purpose: In this paper, we present the development and implementation of a reflective activity aiming to promote students’ reflection on the different realities of nursing practice in a culturally diverse context.

Methods: A Master’s student in Nursing developed the reflective activity in collaboration with three academics who specialize in nursing education. The Blanchet Garneau (2013) model of cultural competence development and key writings on reflective practice in nursing guided the conception of the reflective activity. The participants were invited to discuss clinical situations they had experienced with someone whose values or beliefs differed from their own.

The activity was tested with two groups of five and one group of two nursing students (n = 12). After completing the activity, they filled out a survey about their perceived learning and their appreciation of the activity.

Results: The reflective questions helped the students discuss some of the components of Blanchet Garneau’s model. The activity allowed students to appreciate the importance of considering their patients’ values and beliefs in their care. Some of them also reported becoming aware of their power, as nurses, in reducing health care disparities.

Conclusion: Reflective practice seems to be a promising strategy to guide the development of nursing students’ cultural competency. Nursing educators in both clinical and educational settings could use this reflective activity.