Ethnonursing and the ethnographic approach in nursing

Aim: To present a critical methodology review of the ethnonursing research method. Background: Ethnonursing was developed to underpin the study and practice of 'transcultural congruent' care. Ethnonursing claims to produce accurate knowledge about cultural groups to guide nursing care. The idea that the nurse researcher can objectively and transparently represent culture still permeates the ethnnonursing method and shapes attempts to advance nursing knowldge and improve patient care through transculutural nursing. Data sources: Relevant literature published between the 19th and 21st centuries. Review methods: Literature review Discussion: Ethnography saw a 'golden age' in the first half of the 20th century, but the foundations of traditional ethnographic knowledge are being increasingly questioned today. Conclusion: The authors argue that ethnonursing has failed to respond to contemporary issues relevant to ethnography knowledge and that there is a need to refresh the method. This will allow nurse researchers to move beyond hitherto unproblematic notions of objectivity ti recognise the intrinsic relationship between the nurse and the researched. Implications for research/practice: A revised ethnonursing research method would enable nurse researchers to create reflexive interpretations of culture that identify and embody their cultural assumptions and predujices