Perceptions regarding intercultural education in the doctor-immigrant patient relationship in chilean doctors

Abstract

To delve into the doctors' perceptions about training for intercultural practice in the doctor-immigrant patient (DPR) relationship in Chile. A qualitative study was carried out in communes of the metropolitan region (RM) through in-depth interviews with doctors. The inclusion criteria for the sample were: to be a doctor, to have a formal work relationship in a public health center, and to have had contact with the international migrant population living in each commune. The final sample consisted of 13 doctors; information saturation criteria were considered. There is a greater tension related to intercultural coexistence, favored by the cultural, language, and prejudice barrier. The absence of records about the patients' national origin contributes to these perspectives. The findings show the lack of training geared towards understanding and caring for a diverse population on a daily basis; as well as the need to get familiar with the immigration phenomenon going on in Chile and the current Latin American diversity. New challenges to medical training in light of the growing migrant population in Chile are discussed here. The emergence of interculturality in medical training raises critical aspects that are articulated with healthcare intercultural and human rights approach.