Nonverbal Communication in a Caribbean Medical School: “Touch Is a Touchy Issue”

Abstract

Background: The heath communication curriculum at the Trinidad campus of the University of the West Indies was developed out of practices advocated in large Western countries. Many students and tutors observed that the nonverbal skills advocated in these approaches did not fit the complex cultural dynamics of the Caribbean. Purpose: A study was developed to understand the problems Caribbean students faced with these nonverbal communication practices. Methods: Thirty-six students representing different Caribbean territories were randomly selected from the two compulsory communication skills courses: Communication Skills for Health Personnel and Communication Skills for the Health Professions class list. These students participated in 4 focus group discussions (FGD). The FGD questions were formulated on the nonverbal skills advanced in the Calgary–Cambridge Guide to the doctor–patient interview. Results: The findings supported the view that recommended nonverbal skills were in conflict with expected doctor–patient behavior in different Caribbean territories. Students felt that nonverbal communication needed to be treated with greater cultural sensitivity. Conclusions: These findings stimulated changes to the health communication program. This article identifies changes made to the communication skills program in response to cultural difference.