Given the increasing Hispanic population in the United States, doctors are increasingly realizing the importance of competence in cross-cultural communication. According to Teal R & Street L( 2008), there are several skills that should be employed by Doctors for effective communication with patients whose culture is foreign. It is increasingly becoming important for doctors to be well equipped with the skills that will result in culturally appropriate communication. There are several skills which if mastered can be of great impact to this cause.
Adaptability will assist the doctor to create the appropriate atmosphere for the patient to express themselves. When the doctor strikes a rapport with the patient, (s)he will get more conclusive healthcare. Physicians need to be prepared to deal with both outgoing and reserved patients. Awareness of core cultural issues is important. By appreciating the patient’s culture, the doctor becomes more sensitive. Issues such as taboo subjects and myths need to be known by the doctor since they help in the handling of patients.
Non-verbal skills such as gestures, facial expressions and eye contact can be used by physicians to show respect, concern and sternness. Verbal behavior skills can likewise be used to show the doctor’s feelings and at the same time act as a guideline when observing patient behavior. Physicians should recognize and explore the existing cultural differences help to eliminate confusion that may arise when there is a disparity between the intended message and the perceived message.
The language barrier has for a long time been an impediment to the community getting the required medical services. In the instance of the Hispanic Population, the first challenge is the fact that for a long time all groups with South American origins have been grouped together despite there being several distinct sub-groups with unique cultures thus many misconceptions from the medical community thus leading to the members having a mistrust for medical practitioners. Zavaleta A (2000). The second major challenge is their belief system. Being a deeply religious community, many believe that supernatural forces are responsible for illness as well as healing.
References
Teal, R., & Street, L. (2008). Critical elements of culturally competent communication in the medical encounter: A review and model, Social Sciences and Medicine. 68: 533-543
Zavaleta, A. (2000). Do cultural factors affect Hispanic health status? Rio Grande Valley Public Health Community Conference. Web.