Intercultural competence development: A qualitative case study

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students' perceptions of the effectiveness of a unique teaching-learning strategy using their results from the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), an instrument for the assessment of intercultural competence, with their customized Intercultural Development Plan (IDP) in enhancing their cultural competence development in a nursing senior practicum. The study also examined student insights about how having a plan to develop their intercultural competence will have an impact on their future nursing practice.

Background

Intercultural competence is vital for providing quality healthcare, yet there is a gap in understanding how educational interventions are designed and implemented to enhance cultural competence among nursing students. This paper describes a strategy for developing intercultural competence. The IDI was administered to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in the fourth semester of a five-semester BSN program. Based on their IDI results, each student received a customized IDP that suggested specific activities and encouraged guided self-reflection to enhance intercultural competence development. In the fifth-semester senior practicum course, the students developed personal intercultural competence development goals based on their IDP. They also kept weekly journals on their intercultural competence development during their practicum.

Design

This study used a Qualitative Case Study design.

Methods

This study was conducted from January to July 2021 with 47 senior practicum students in a large BSN program in the Southeastern United States. Data consisted of student written responses to prompts on how the IDI/IDP influenced their intercultural development and its potential effect on their future practice. The data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.

Results

Three key themes emerged: self-awareness, recognition of cultural influences and growth goals. Student reflections suggested that they desired to develop intercultural competence so they could provide the best possible nursing care for their patients. Still, most students did not have a plan for how to grow in this area. Many students reported that their IDI/IDP heightened cultural awareness throughout their practicum, guiding their development of intercultural competence and leading to a deeper and broader understanding of culture. Students suggested that this enhanced cultural understanding, along with their IDP, will facilitate their continued development of intercultural competence in their future professional practice.

Conclusion

This study contributes to existing knowledge about intercultural competence development and effective teaching methods by providing empirical evidence of the positive impact of the IDI/IDP on nursing students' perceived intercultural development. These findings can inform the development and implementation of pedagogical strategies to enhance intercultural competence, which will ultimately improve patient care outcomes in all healthcare settings.