A concept analysis of cultural competence within a diverse midwifery context in South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundSouth Africa is known for its cultural diversity. Within this context, midwives are challenged to provide culturally congruent care to women receiving maternal care who are from diverse cultural backgrounds. When researchers identified lack of consensus on what cultural competence in midwifery means, a concept analysis was activated. The study aimed to define cultural competence within the midwifery context in South Africa. ObjectiveTo define the concept ‘cultural competency’ within the midwifery context. MethodA concept analysis approach following the eight steps of Walker and Avant (2014) was used. This approach followed a qualitative descriptive design, whereby literature obtained from multiple data sources between 2008 and 2018 were included. Only literature that met inclusion criteria was used. The concept selected to be analysed was cultural competence. ResultsIn addition to the theoretical definition, the concept analysis process identified cultural diversity and ongoing learning as the antecedents of cultural competence. Cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural encounters, cultural skills, and cultural desire were identified as attributes. The consequences of cultural competence were identified as being a culturally competent practitioner, improved quality of care, and improved health outcomes. ConclusionFrom a theoretical definition, midwives in culturally diverse settings can facilitate cultural competency, which can improve maternal outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds. ContributionThis study led to developing a theoretical definition for cultural competence in the South African context.