Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your understanding of cultural competence in the context of end of life care

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To understand the importance of culturally competent end of life care for patients and their families

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To consider the role of district nurses in providing culturally competent end of life care

The UK population is increasingly diverse, which means that nurses care for patients from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. When caring for people from ethnic minority backgrounds nurses need to apply cultural competence. Developing cultural competence involves appreciating the influence of culture on people’s lives, understanding how cultural factors may shape people’s healthcare needs and becoming aware of one’s own cultural background. It has been shown that palliative and end of life care provision for people from ethnic minority backgrounds is often inadequate in the UK. This article explores cultural competence in end of life care provided by district nurses to people at home.