Communication refers to the means by which a culture is preserved and passed down from generation to generation. It can consist of verbal, non-verbal, and written communication and is the most important factor in providing culturally sensitive nursing care because it occurs throughout the nursing process. Language is the most noticeable cultural difference. Nurses will typically respond to a patient's inability to communicate verbally by avoiding the patient, speaking loudly or shouting at the patient, focusing on tasks instead of the patient, or even stop talking with the patient. If the nurse and the patient speak different languages, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a translator.
Nonverbal communication includes the use of touch, facial expressions, and body language.
This form of communication will vary among cultures and can be the cause of miscommunication when caring for an individual. For example, eye contact during conversation is expected by white Americans. However, in the Asian, American Indian, and Pacific Islander communities, direct eye contact is rude and disrespectful. 4 Space and spatial behavior involves the individual, body, surrounding environment, and objects within the environment. The need for individual space provides security and privacy, autonomy, and self-identity.