A LEARN model approach in health care for improvising the doctor-patient relationship

Abstract

The LEARN model was originally developed to help physicians and other clinicians working in ethnically diverse communities. However, it has broad applicability in the prevention setting. The LEARN (Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Recommend, Negotiate) model is a framework for cross-cultural communication that helps build mutual understanding and enhance community engagement. Community-engaged communication is much important in the community with culturally relevant and authentic solutions. COVID-19 pandemic has re-ignited the discussions regarding the need of the effective communication across cultures in health care professionals. Culture is central to effective COVID-19 messaging for community engagement. Culture may appear neutral, but its power to define identity and communities as a collective is based on values expressed through institutions such as health care, education, and families. Be careful about the biases and values that you may be bringing to medical encounters. Try to resolve and applied a tailored treatment plan approach that involves the patient’s immediate family, extended family or other community members, as appropriate. Find out the various diversities exists within ethnic and cultural background as much as between groups and avoid generalizing or stereotyping cross-cultural encounters. Assess the literacy levels of your patients or families and then give appropriate advice accordingly. The aim of the study was to improvise doctor-patient communication and the doctor-patient relationship using LEARN model.