Nursing Practice Considerations for Foreign Patients Whose Native Language Is Not Japanese in Japanese Healthcare Settings

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the nursing practice considerations required when caring for patients whose mother tongue is not Japanese in Japanese healthcare settings.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight nurses who had extensive experience in caring for foreign patients, and the data were analyzed qualitatively using a descriptive approach.

Results: Nursing practice considerations were organized into eight themes: using wording tailored to each patient’s Japanese proficiency to ensure comprehension; engaging in relationship-building interactions that deepen mutual understanding beyond verbal language; utilizing machine translation to promote less-restricted, mutual mother-tongue conversation; using pretranslated documents for Japanese expressions typical in medical settings; employing medical interpreters in situations where misunderstanding must be avoided to support patient decision-making; arranging a care environment to ease anxiety arising from linguistic and cultural differences; viewing cultural and linguistic differences as part of the patient’s individuality and engaging with them as a person; and sharing cultural background information within the team to create supportive systems at the organizational level.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that nursing practices for patients with limited Japanese proficiency are developed through multilayered approaches—addressing linguistic barriers through multiple communication strategies, respecting individual uniqueness, and mobilizing organizational support structures.