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Cultural Factors in Healthcare Communication: Understanding the Impact
Wissam Mustafa Salman Hashim
Learning Objectives 1. Identify and understand the cultural factors that impact communication and healthcare interactions with patients from diverse backgrounds. 2. Develop effective strategies for cross-cultural communication, including the use of professional interpreters, interpreting verbal and nonverbal cues, and adapting communication styles to accommodate different cultural norms. 3. Demonstrate cultural competence by recognizing and respecting the role of family in decision making, understanding and addressing cultural beliefs and practices that may affect treatment adherence, and reflecting on personal biases and cultural backgrounds that may influence patient interactions.
Introduction In health care, cultural competency is central to providing effective and patient-centered care. It involves demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to many details, including patients’ cultural background, age, gender, and presence of a disability. Each physician-patient encounter is influenced by a range of cultural variables that shape the interaction between the participants. Clinicians should strive to communicate sensibly with patients and use many tools to develop a trusting rapport. Establishing a meaningful and respectful connection benefits both the patient and the caregiver, enabling the patient to provide a more comprehensive medical history and aiding the caregiver in making an accurate diagnosis. However, cultural differences can pose challenges to effective communication if not approached with care. When there is poor communication between a clinician from the dominant ethnic group and a patient from an ethnic minority, misunderstandings can occur, potentially hindering interpersonal interactions and leading to a lower quality of care. Patients who perceive a lack of understanding of their
culture and beliefs from their healthcare providers may be hesitant to share important personal information about their health and treatment. Likewise, physicians and nurses may become frustrated with patients who do not adhere to prescribed treatment plans or fail to comply with physical exams if they are unaware of how deeply these behaviors are influenced by unspoken cultural norms. The American Medical Association recognizes the value of physicians who provide patient-centered care by adjusting their approach to meet the needs of diverse patients and taking into account the impact of emotional, cultural, social, and psychological factors on the primary presenting concern. To ensure effective communication and improved patient outcomes, clinicians should strive to develop cultural competency, including understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds as well as beliefs of their patients. They should actively listen, ask open-ended questions, and show a willingness to learn and adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. This approach promotes trust, enhances communication, and leads to better patient engagement and healthcare outcomes.
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