Paternotte E, van Dulmen S, van der Lee N, Scherpbier AJJA, Scheele F. Factors influencing intercultural doctor-patient communication: a realist review.
Patient Educ Couns 2015;
98:420-45. [PMID:
25535014 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Due to migration, doctors see patients from different ethnic backgrounds. This causes challenges for the communication. To develop training programs for doctors in intercultural communication (ICC), it is important to know which barriers and facilitators determine the quality of ICC. This study aimed to provide an overview of the literature and to explore how ICC works.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed to find literature published before October 2012. The search terms used were cultural, communication, healthcare worker. A realist synthesis allowed us to use an explanatory focus to understand the interplay of communication.
RESULTS
In total, 145 articles met the inclusion criteria. We found ICC challenges due to language, cultural and social differences, and doctors' assumptions. The mechanisms were described as factors influencing the process of ICC and divided into objectives, core skills and specific skills. The results were synthesized in a framework for the development of training.
CONCLUSION
The quality of ICC is influenced by the context and by the mechanisms. These mechanisms translate into practical points for training, which seem to have similarities with patient-centered communication.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Training for improving ICC can be developed as an extension of the existing training for patient-centered communication.
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