Cultural considerations at end-of-life for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: A critical interpretative synthesis.

Abstract

To establish cultural considerations for people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds at the end-of-life in Australia. Globally, there is a rapidly increasing proportion of the ageing population, and high levels of migration to Australia, the Australian healthcare community must recognise individualised and cultural needs when approaching death and end-of-life care. Many people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds do not traditionally practice the palliative care approaches that have been developed and practised in Australia. A Critical Interpretive Synthesis. A review protocol was established using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the literature searched using CINAHL, PubMed, Psych INFO and Medline from January 2011 to 27th February 2021. This search protocol results in 19 peer-reviewed results for inclusion in critical analysis. Included studies were qualitative (14), quantitative (4) and mixed methods (1). Four themes were identified from the literature: (i) communication and health literacy; (ii) access to end-of-life care services; (iii) cultural norms, traditions and rituals; and (iv) cultural competence of healthcare workers. Healthcare workers have an essential role in providing care to people with life-limiting illnesses. Cultural considerations during end-of-life care are imperative for the advancement of nursing practice. To achieve effective care for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during end-of-life care, healthcare workers need to increase their education and cultural competency. There is inadequate research conducted within specific cultural groups, rural and remote Australian communities and individual cultural competence of healthcare workers. Continuing advancement within nursing practice relies on health professionals adopting a person-centred and culturally appropriate approach to care. To ensure individualised person-centred care is provided in a culturally appropriate way, healthcare workers must learn to reflect on their practice and actively advocate for people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during end-of-life care.