Abstract
ObjectivesTo explore patients’ preferences and experiences regarding intercultural communication which could influence the development of intercultural patient-centred communication training.MethodsThis qualitative study is based on interviews with non-native patients. Thirty non-native patients were interviewed between September and December 2015 about their preferences and experiences regarding communication with a native Dutch doctor. Fourteen interviews were established with an interpreter. The semi-structured interviews took place in Amsterdam. They were focused on generic and intercultural communication skills of doctors. Relevant fragments were coded by two researchers and analysed by the research team by means of thematic network analysis. Informed consent and ethical approval was obtained beforehand.ResultsAll patients preferred a doctor with a professional patient-centred attitude regardless of the doctor’s background. Patients mentioned mainly generic communication aspects, such as listening, as important skills and seemed to be aware of their own responsibility in participating in a consultation. Being treated as a unique person and not as a disease was also frequently mentioned. Unfamiliarity with the Dutch healthcare system influenced the experienced communication negatively. However, a language barrier was considered the most important problem, which would become less pressing once a doctor-patient relation was established. ConclusionsRemarkably, patients in this study had no preference regarding the ethnic background of the doctor. Generic communication was experienced as important as specific intercultural communication, which underlines the marginal distinction between these two. A close link between intercultural communication and patient-centred communication was reflected in the expressed preference ‘to be treated as a person’.
Highlights
Doctors in multicultural societies are increasingly confronted with patients from various ethnic backgrounds.[1]
Non-native patients were interviewed after visiting a native Dutch doctor in the Netherlands
Non-native patients reported positive experiences regarding the communication with native Dutch doctors, and they did not prefer a doctor of a specific ethnic background
Summary
Doctors in multicultural societies are increasingly confronted with patients from various ethnic backgrounds.[1] The WHO emphasised the importance of a healthcare system that is capable to deliver healthcare from a patient-centred viewpoint for all kinds of patients.[2] the cultural differences between doctors and patients challenge effective communication and the quality of care.[3] Cultural influence on communication is well documented, mainly focussed on communication skills of doctors.[3,4,5,6] There is limited literature focusing on communication experiences and preferences of non-native patients.[7] To improve the intercultural communication and subsequently the quality of care, insight into the communication process as experienced and preferred by non-native patients is needed.[8,9]
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