Cultural Competence and Perception of Patient-Centered Care among Non-Muslim Expatriate Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional study

Background: Expatriate nurses in Saudi Arabia are often unfamiliar with the country's healthcare system, specifically; cultural dimensions that impact patient care. Aim: To eamine the perceptions of expatriate nurses in Saudi Arabia regarding the relationship between cultural competence and patient-centered care. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive correlational survey Methods: The sample consisted of 148 expatriate nurses (n=67 Indian; n=81 Filipino) working in a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed two surveys including the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) and Individualized Care Scale-Nurse Version (ICS-Nurse). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to determine statistical significance between the study variables. Results: Filipino nurses have greater perceived cultural awareness and sensitivity and perceived that they demonstrate more culturally competent behaviours compared to Indian nurses. Conclusion: One important implication for nursing and health policy is the positive significant correlation was found between cultural competence and patient-centered care. Patient perspectives should be included in future studies. The effectiveness of culturally competent nursing care in Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of developing educational programs on cultural competence and patient-centered care skills for expatriate nurses.