Let’s Learn Together, Let’s Work Together: Challenges and Solutions for Transcultural Health and Social Care

This volume explores some of the global challenges and possible solutions for transcultural health and social care, and includes a selection of papers that were presented at the 2nd European Transcultural Nursing Association International Conference, in June 2011. This collection explores some of the challenges and possible solutions from the perspectives of various countries regarding promoting transcultural health and social care, including Ireland, Turkey, Strasbourg, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Sweden and Australia. As outlined in the papers included, the provision of transculturally competent care is challenging and requires knowledgeable, skilled and culturally sensitive health and social care professionals. The delivery of culturally competent care requires a commitment from health and social care services, professionals working within these services, and institutes of education responsible for educating healthcare professionals to understand and be responsive to the needs of culturally diverse patients. Learned behaviour and deeply rooted values must be challenged to address unwitting prejudices and stereotyping. Attention should focus on creating an environment of trust where critical reflection occurs, blame is avoided, risk managed and new ideas developed, tested and evaluated.