Cultural Competence in Nursing and Laboratory Services: A Systematic Review of the Influence of Cultural Factors on Patient Interactions and Health Outcomes
Abstract
Background: Global migration and increasing cultural diversity have made cultural competence a necessary component of quality health care. In clinical practice, nursing and laboratory services are major patient interfaces where culturally mediated beliefs, behaviors, and communication styles directly influence the process of care. Mismatch in these interactions can lead to misdiagnosis, non-adherence, and health disparities.
Aim: This systematic review aims to synthesize the literature between 2015 and 2025 to understand how cultural factors impact patient interactions in nursing and laboratory practice and to evaluate strategies for developing cultural competence in these services.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The search terms used were "cultural competence," "nursing," "phlebotomy," "laboratory medicine," "patient interaction," "health disparities," and "cultural factors."
Results: Cultural factors significantly impact care, including explanatory models, communication barriers, religion-based preferences, and family involvement. These factors affect patient consent, compliance, and follow-up care. Interventions like professional medical interpretation, cultural competency training, and culturally tailored patient education improve patient satisfaction and diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion: Cultural competence is crucial for safe, effective, and equitable nursing and laboratory practice. Institutional policy should include trained interpreters, culturally sensitive protocols, and a diverse workforce, promoting cultural humility.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Yahya Ahmed Mohammed Hazazi, Mohammed Saleh Najdi, Nader Marshood Rasheed Alsadi, Nasser Yhaya Ghallah, Salem Zaid Al-Amer, Faisal Hassan Mawkili, Saad Mohsan Alshaibani, Mubarak Dwayehm ALdawsari, Abdulaziz Salem Alghamdi, Azzam Ali Hamoud Alharbi, Abdullah Mubarak Abdullah Almesan, Mohammed Saleh Ayad Aljohani, Marwa Abdo Ahmad Madkhali
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