Inter-cultural and cross-cultural communication through physicians’ lens: perceptions and experiences

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to explore Swedish physicians’ perceptions regarding physician-patient communication in an Iranian context and to obtain a deeper understanding of their lived experience when encountering Middle Eastern and Swedish patients in their daily work. Methods This is a multi-method study, including conventional content analysis in combination with phenomenological methodology. A triangulation approach to data collection and analysis was used. Serving the purpose of the study, twelve Swedish physicians with previous experience of Middle Eastern patients were purposely selected to participate in the study. They watched a video showing simulated patient encounter in an Iranian context. The video served as a trigger. Semi-structured interviews were conducted focusing on the participants’ perceptions of the video and their lived experiences. Constant comparative analysis was used for a deep understanding of the data. Results The core themes were cultural diversity, doctor-centeredness, and patient-centeredness. Cultural diversity was a convergent theme and included trust, interpersonal interaction, context, and doctor dominancy. Patient-centeredness and doctor-centeredness were divergent themes and included doctors’ authority, equity, the experience of illness, and accountability. Conclusions The participants confirmed large cultural differences in doctor-patient communication when encountering Iranian and Swedish patients. Inter-cultural and cross-cultural competencies were made visible. To be able to appreciate other cultures’ health values, beliefs, and behaviors, increased cultural competence in health care is of importance.

Seeking Health Information: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Women of Refugee Background from Myanmar in Perth, Western Australia

“…Women of refugee background from Myanmar shared difficulties faced when they could not express themselves in English or an interpreter was not arranged in their preferred language. Although overcoming language barriers and engaging appropriate interpreters can be significant challenges, effective cross-cultural communication is more complex than the provision of interpreters [ 40 , 41 ]. A Swedish study of communication between physicians and patients from Iran revealed body language was a significant aspect of insufficient communication [ 41 ].…”

“…Although overcoming language barriers and engaging appropriate interpreters can be significant challenges, effective cross-cultural communication is more complex than the provision of interpreters [ 40 , 41 ]. A Swedish study of communication between physicians and patients from Iran revealed body language was a significant aspect of insufficient communication [ 41 ]. Similarly, the women of refugee background from Myanmar in this study were alert to health professionals’ body language and any indications that they may not be welcome.…”

Doctor-patient communication skills: a survey on knowledge and practice of Iranian family physicians

“…Also, they did not consider shared decision making with patients. Participants’ perceptions and comparison with their own work experiences indicated major inter-cultural and cross-cultural differences [ 34 ]. Obviously, a culture change takes time and involves a reframing of norms and expectations within the health care-associated organizations and in the society.…”

Global Interprofessional Therapeutic Communication Scale© Short Form (GITCS©): Feasibility Testing in Canada

“…In addition, participants reflected on the items referring to 'cultural safety' commenting that they appreciated the pp 7-17 • Clinical Simulation in Nursing • Volume 65 respectful attention to cultural differences in approaching communication in a multifaceted way. Cultural safety competencies must be formally incorporated into healthcare curricula ( Bhui et al, 2015 ;Shirazi et al, 2020 ) in order to provide universal access and equality in providing respectful healthcare.…”