Black and minority ethnic (BME) nurses and the provision of compassionate care in an acute hospital
Overview
A good deal of attention has been focused upon black and minority ethnic nurses in relation to their transition to working in healthcare settings in the UK. Studies have primarily concentrated on the isolation, discrimination and marginalisation such nurses may experience, which can make service delivery challenging for them.
There is relatively little previous research exploring the impact of the cultural background of nurses on perceptions of compassionate care.
The project has four components: A literature review; a review of Trust documents; qualitative interviews and focus groups; and quantitative questionnaires.
Aims and objectives
This project aims to identify whether the cultural diversity of nurses impacts on perceptions of compassionate care and any differences in the delivery of such care between BME and non BME nurses.
The focus will be on the cultural background of individual nurses, their views of compassionate care and on how cultural background impacts on relationships with patients, families, colleagues and hospital leadership. The work will include analysis of training and development gaps in relation to BME staff.
Acknowledgements
With thanks to The Burdett Trust Small Grants Scheme who funded this pilot study. Thanks also to staff at Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust who hosted the study. With special thanks to Marsha Wrigley who assisted with recruitment and the nurses and other healthcare professionals who participated in the study.
Research groups and centres
Our research is supported by research groups and centres.