ETNAtalks Episode 11: Putting Patients First in a Culturally Complex World
The latest episode of ETNAtalks brings a powerful and timely conversation to the forefront of transcultural nursing. In Episode 11, titled “It’s not about us, it’s about them,” host Dr Juan Manuel Leyva Moral is joined by Dr Beth Chiatti, Professor at Drexel University and Fellow of the European Transcultural Nursing Association (ETNA).
With a unique academic background spanning both anthropology and nursing, Dr Chiatti offers a compelling perspective on how healthcare professionals can better understand and respond to the cultural realities that shape patients’ experiences. The discussion highlights the importance of moving beyond a purely clinical lens to recognise the values, beliefs, and social contexts that influence health behaviours and decision-making.
Drawing on her pioneering research with Ethiopian immigrant communities in the United States, Dr Chiatti challenges common assumptions about cultural preferences in healthcare. Her findings reveal a nuanced picture: while many patients maintain strong cultural traditions, they may also actively seek and value Western medical technologies. This underscores a key message of the episode—effective care begins with listening, not presuming.
A central theme throughout the conversation is trust. Dr Chiatti reflects on the time and commitment required to build meaningful relationships with communities, emphasising that culturally responsive care is rooted in genuine engagement, respect, and communication. Patients, she notes, want to be heard, understood, and treated as partners in their care.
The episode also explores the intersection of culture and science, particularly in the context of genetics and genomics. Dr Chiatti discusses the challenges healthcare professionals face when communicating complex scientific information to patients whose beliefs may be shaped by faith, tradition, or past experiences of healthcare systems. Her approach—grounded in education, empathy, and cultural sensitivity—offers valuable guidance for practitioners navigating these conversations.
For nurse leaders and educators, the episode delivers a clear call to action: support the development of culturally competent practitioners, promote lifelong learning, and recognise the profound impact nurses have on individuals, families, and communities.
Episode 11 of ETNAtalks is a thought-provoking reminder that transcultural care is not an added layer to practice—it is fundamental to delivering safe, effective, and equitable healthcare.
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