Impact of educational interventions on the cultural competencies of nurses and students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific literature on the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at acquiring cultural competencies in nurses and nursing students. METHOD: Searches were conducted in the following databases PubMed, Lilacs, Esmerald, Scopus, and Scielo, focusing on the study of educational interventions related to cultural competencies. The PRISMA methodology was used, critical reading was performed with the CASPe tool, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included, 11 of which were educational interventions. These significantly improved cultural competencies, especially in knowledge, communication skills, and self-awareness. Qualitatively, a positive impact was evidenced, and quantitatively, the effect on knowledge was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis reveals a significantly positive effect, in a generalized way, of educational interventions on cultural competence in nurses and students. Continuous learning and innovative educational practices are necessary to maintain and reinforce knowledge. Further studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods are needed to improve both educational initiatives and cultural competence training.