Nursing students' experience of a transformative approach to teaching cross cultural clinical decision making.

Abstract

Objectives: This study reveals the learning gained by Canadian and Rwandan nursing students from a course to enhance cross cultural clinical decision-making skills using a collaborative approach across two countries.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using thematic analysis. The study included analysis of end of course reflections of 94 students.

Results: Students became more open-minded, curious, strengthening teamwork, increasing their critical thinking, and identifying cross-cultural similarities in practice. They challenged their previous beliefs about others.

Conclusions: Students achieved a transformation of previous knowledge and decision-making skills. Results indicate the value of underpinning courses with theories and being open in allowing students to develop their own means to achieve expected learning outcomes.

Implications for an international audience: Creating learning environments designed to stimulate open mindedness and exploration of cultures among students can be achieved through online learning. Providing opportunities for students to learn across other countries about their nursing practices and health systems are critical to understanding how future patients who are immigrants and refugees from other countries differing perspectives to their health care needs.