Intercultural Sensitivity Levels and Cultural Difference Perceptions of Physicians and Nurses

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the level of intercultural sensitivity of the physicians and nurses. METHOD: This research was a descriptive study. The sample group of the study were physicians (n=70) and nurses (n=87) working in the Public Hospital. 64.3% of physicians and 71.3% of nurses participated in the study. Data were collected between May, June and July 2017. Data of the study were collected by a questionnaire including personal information and Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. The questionnaire also includes an open-ended question of “What are cultural difference elements you describe in patients to whom you administer treatment and provide care”. Descriptive statistics related to the variables were calculated and Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed. RESULTS: In the present study, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale mean scores were determined as 3.46±0.48 for the physicians and 3.48±0.47 for the nurses. There was no significant difference between the marital status of physicians and nurses and the total score of the scale (p>0.05). The interaction engagement scores of single physicians and nurses were higher than the married ones. Interaction enjoyment mean scores were higher in the participants speaking a foreign language than those not speaking a foreign language. There were significant difference between Intercultural Sensitivity Scale total scores and interaction engagement, respect for cultural differences and interaction confidence subscales of physicians and nurses who have previous interaction with individuals from different cultures. Mean scores of the participants not receiving the training on cultural sensitivity were higher in the subscales of interaction engagement and interaction attentiveness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended for physicians and nurses to try to increase their cultural sensitivity by knowing more people from different cultures. It is also recommended to develop language competence of the institutions in which they work and make plans to provide opportunities for physicians and nurses to gain experience abroad and cultural sensitivity education.