Culture and Idiom Creates Gaps and “Cloud” Communications in Medical Tourism

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Narrowing the Language Gap in Medical Tourism: Communications Guidelines for Physicians

Part 2: Culture’s role in “clouding” communication

Culture (not only the patient’s culture, but yours as well) forms the “big picture” behind, not only  clear communication, but also the patient’s expectations regarding what constitutes quality medical care and services. It determines not only the “linguistic rules” (how something is said and what it is permissible to say) both you and your patient follow in asking and answering pertinent questions. It actually determines what types of questions each will ask.  It influences  what and how much information you need to form an accurate medical decision, determines what medications or treatments you and your patient believe are indicated and even what form (in pill, liquid or  injection ) is preferred.  It also influences what and how much the patient wants to know about his/her medical problem, diagnosis and cure, and whether or not he/she wants to play a major or minor role in the decision-making process. Conversely, it influences your willingness to share responsibility for decision-making or take the role of “knower” and make those decisions that you feel are best for the patient.

Idioms widen the language gap

Understanding exactly what the patient means by what he/she is saying can also present problems, even when you are a fluent second language speaker of his or her language.  When the patient is speaking in his/her native language, there is a tendency to use idioms which, you, as a foreign speaker, might not understand or might misinterpret.  For example, many years ago, when living in Greece, I was being treated by a Greek physician who spoke excellent English.  While he was administering an injection, I suddenly felt very dizzy.  Even though I was a language teacher and knew not to use idioms when speaking to foreigners, my fear caused me to automatically use the idiomatic expression, “pass out” instead of telling the doctor I was going to faint or lose consciousness. He failed to understand until I fell down and hit my head on the marble floor!


[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]This article is part of a series by Dr. Suzanne Salimbene, a senior consultant with the Mercury Advisory Group. Dr Salimbene’s book, What Langauge Does Your Patient Hurt In? is currently being revised for 3rd edition release later this year.

Book Cover of Suzanne Salimbene's book What language Does Your Patient Hurt In?
What Language Does Your Patient Hurt In?

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Learn more about culturally Competent Care with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.

In April 2013, the National CLAS Standards were re-released after undergoing a two-year enhancement initiative. This program, along with others featured on TCH, is scheduled to be under annual review for accreditation purposes and will be updated to reflect the National CLAS Standards enhancements.

To assist you during this transition, we recommend that you reference this crosswalk (PDF – 115 KB) and fact sheet (PDF – 59 KB) which will assist in understanding the numbering and organization of the re-released National CLAS Standards.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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