Cultural Competence in Nursing Care for Migrants: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Aim: To synthesize scientific evidence on the factors influencing the implementation of cultural competence by nurses in the care of migrant populations.

Background/introduction: Global migration has intensified cultural diversity in healthcare settings, highlighting the need for nurses to develop cultural competence to deliver safe and equitable care. However, evidence on factors influencing its implementation in nursing practice remains fragmented.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using the PICo framework identified peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2014 and 2024 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria, were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Qualitative Checklist, and classified according to Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt's levels of evidence.

Results: All included studies were classified as Level VI evidence, with overall good methodological coherence. Facilitating factors for cultural competence included respect for cultural differences, exposure to multicultural contexts, and continuing education in cultural diversity. Persistent barriers were language difficulties, limited cultural knowledge, and a lack of structured training in cultural competence.

Discussion: The findings indicate that cultural competence is a dynamic and context-dependent process shaped by individual experiences, educational opportunities, and organizational support, consistent with established transcultural nursing frameworks.

Conclusion: Effective implementation of cultural competence in nursing requires sustained education, experiential learning, and institutional commitment to address persistent barriers in migrant care.

Implications for nursing: Identifying facilitators and barriers supports the development of strategies to enhance nurses' cultural competence in diverse care settings.

Implications for nursing policy: These findings inform institutional policies that promote culturally competent nursing care in multicultural health systems.

Keywords: cultural competency; cultural diversity; emigrants and immigrants; nursing care; transcultural nursing.