The relevance of cultural diversity on safety culture: a CIRS data analysis to identify problem areas and competency requirements of professionals in healthcare institutions

Abstract

Aim: The society and consequently also the health system have become increasingly culturally diverse which applies to both - patients and professionals. Studies indicate an influence of the ethnicity on the care context. With regard to this, considerably more knowledge is available regarding diversity among patients than among professionals, for example considering the effect of cultural diversity in teams. The impact of cultural diversity on patient safety has barely been investigated which means that potential effects as well as required measures and competencies cannot currently be specified. As part of the project ``Gestaltungskompetenz als Innovator fur hochzuverlassige Organisationen im Gesundheitssystem'' (abbreviation: GIO, ``Gestaltungskompetenz as an Innovator for High Reliability Organisations in the Healthcare System'') these questions are investigated in the context of a case study. Therefore, a CIRS data analysis was carried out to identify specific problem areas to derive competencies for the safe handling of cultural diversity between employees. On this basis and adjusted to the target group, an interactive learning management system will be developed for the advanced training of professionals. Method: For the topic of cultural diversity, an analysis of the patient safety cases reported in CIRSmedical (Critical Incident Reporting System) was carried out followed by a qualitative summarising content analysis. The systematic search in CIRS was based on previously defined search terms as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 45 cases were included in the analysis. The results can be classed into two categories: ``(Unsuccessful) communication'' and ``Unsuccessful adaptation to patient needs''. Cultural diversity was not usually named as a primary or explicit cause but usually a combination of several factors was given as the reason for the occurrence of an undesirable event. Conclusion: The analysis of CIRS data identified concrete challenges resulting from the intercultural composition of teams and in the care context. The approaches for improvement should include both, organisational and personnel measures. In case of the latter, it is essential that competency requirements are identified resulting in suited offers for the competence development in the course of initial and professional development training for medical and nursing staff in ethnically diverse teams.