The effects of nurse practitioner cultural competence on Latina patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between degree of cultural competence in nurse practitioners (NPs) and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas.

DATA SOURCES: A descriptive correlational design was used to examine the degree of cultural competence in NPs and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas. A convenience sample of 15 licensed NPs from 11 different clinics in a large southwestern city completed two self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 218 Latina patients completed three self-administered questionnaires available in both English and Spanish. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyze the data.

CONCLUSIONS: Latina patients reported greater satisfaction with NPs of Latina origin who were certified, had received cultural competence training, could speak Spanish, and had attended master's level programs. Latina patients were also most satisfied with decreased clinic waiting time. The two NPs with the highest levels of cultural competency scores were non-Latinas. Noticeable differences were found in the amount of cultural competence exhibited by NPs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The provision of culturally competent care leads to negotiation, mutual exchange of information, increased compliance, and improved patient-provider communication. Similarly, patient satisfaction with care is associated with increased compliance and greater continuity of care. Employers seeking to meet the healthcare demands of a growing Latino population must look at extrinsic values such as NPs' certification, cultural competence training, education, and ability to speak Spanish.