What are some ways to demonstrate empathy when working with patients from different cultures?

All humans have biases that can be positive, neutral to negative; some are unconcsious while others are consicous/overt. All humans also have feelings & thoughts that result from and compliment their cultural, social, educational, lived trauma, and spiritual experience. While I try to understand other cultures and perspectives, I never assume anything. I’ve found that asking inquisitive and respectful questions, while making it clear to the patient you are here to help patients in an individualized way - encourages the patients to share what works and doesn’t work for them specifically and why. People are more than happy to tell you what they need, when you are open minded, curious and direct.

Yes - we all have biases based on watching news or reading books of history and geography. Some of these biases are totally baseless. Meet a person with open heart without any preconceived ideas. After dealing with the person for some times, make up your own opinions based on your experience. You will be totally surprised. In general all people are very helpful.

Acknowledgement of one’s biases is a self reflective activity. Not everyone is at the same stage of self awareness to recognize, acknowledge and reflect on how their bias impacts their ability to connect with others. We sometimes make patients seem like this abstract entity. They are us, in a more vulnerable state. Recognize how you show up, how you communicate, how you gesture, make eye contact and show respect. Understand and examine how your actions, words and non-verbal cues show up to others. We have to understand ourselves before we attempt to impact others.

Cultivating cultural competence goes beyond acknowledging biases; it involves actively seeking to understand diverse backgrounds. Integrate cultural awareness into your practice by staying informed about various traditions, customs, and socio-economic factors that may influence your patients' health choices.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned is to be an active listener and observer. Being curious and having awareness of other people’s feelings, emotions and experiences are key to understanding them and where they are coming from. I find myself constantly reminding myself that I am here to serve and help, not to judge or criticize. I love treating patients from different cultures and different backgrounds as I find it humbling and rewarding even if challenging at times!

Tailor your approach to understand not just the visible aspects but also the subtle nuances of your patient's cultural background. This deeper exploration allows you to uncover unique health beliefs, familial dynamics, and individual preferences that might influence their health decisions.

From my experience, it is wise to understand the culture of the patients first to have effective communication with them. The culture here represents each individual's healthcare needs, preferences, beliefs about health and illness, their attitudes towards medical treatment and their expectations from healthcare providers. Each person has their own culture based on who they are and where they come from. Within the same country also there would be patients from diverse traditions, different localities, and backgrounds who have their own perceptions of how a provider renders care. Being a doctor one should focus on understanding and respecting each patient's cultural background is crucial for providing effective and empathetic care.

My extensive experience as a family physician in diverse cultural settings has underscored the significance of empathy in healthcare. It involves respecting cultural differences, active listening, and clear communication, especially across language barriers. Acknowledging personal biases, involving patients in decision-making, and creating an inclusive environment are vital. Continuously seeking patient feedback has been instrumental in refining my approach, fostering stronger patient-doctor relationships built on trust and understanding.

In today's world, actively seeking engagement and building relationships with people who are different from oneself should be THE way of life to pursue. Cultural competency is especially of extreme importance in healthcare, however there is insignificant effort that goes towards incorporating cultural competency in educational and training curriculums. Unless one grew up among people from diverse cultural backgrounds, or work in a culturally diverse environment, there aren't many passive opportunities to grow in cultural awareness. Hence why workforce development to promote cultural awareness and cultural competency should be part of the agenda at all organizations.

I believe that no matter where someone comes from or what their culture is, I just treat them exactly how I would like to be treated. I try to listen with my heart with sincere compassion.

Engage patients in open conversations about their health, ensuring they comprehend the nuances of potential choices. This process not only empowers patients with knowledge but also strengthens the therapeutic alliance.

Respecting a patient's autonomy is of paramount importance and is one of the pillar for demonstrating empathy and providing culturally sensitive care. Autonomy in healthcare especially means that the patient has the right to make decisions about their own medical treatment, based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. So there would be a few principles to consider for respecting patient's autonomy while delivering care: Informed consent Active listening Open communication Shared decision-making Cultural sensitivity Non-discrimination Respect for religious beliefs Time and patience Providing necessary educational resources Maintaining appropriate documents Feedback and adaptation Cultural interpreters.

It is highly emphasised to listen attentively to patients, show you care about their concerns, and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their perspectives. It is also imperative to show respect for their cultural practices and beliefs, even if they differ from your own and to be sensitive to their cultural background. The key to communication is to pay attention to nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions and to be aware of your nonverbal signals.

Treat them like you would treat your beloved Grandfather or Grandmother. This perspective will ensure that you are listening fully

Don't assume that your perspective is shared by your patient. Be open, vulnerable, humble, and ask questions. Invite your patient to let you know if you inadvertently do something that doesn't sit well with them.

While it is crucial to learn about the culture - cultural behaviour often dictates how we express emotions, including empathy, so you'll need to know this to avoid misunderstandings - bear in mind that things may differ with people with mixed backgrounds as well as with minorities within those cultures. Learn to express empathy, but also how to ask the person what *they* need. Minorities, especially sexual, may meet with different challenges than majority members of the same culture and may therefore require slightly different approach.

How much ever careful a provider would be regarding all the biases, cultural aspects, care delivery, compassion, empathy, etc. there will be challenges faced during the real-time interaction with patients which any provider can't avoid. In such challenging situations, the provider should think from the patient's perspective putting himself in the patient's shoes and relating what condition he is in. Be compassionate always and try not to argue with the patients and their attendants. Don't be rude. Try to explain them in all possible ways as what, how and why of the care that is being delivered politely. Never assume that the patient would know any small detail as it may seem implicit to you and try explaining even the minute ones.

To treat others as you would like to be treated and healed. To be available when they want your presence ,care and to address their fears of the unknown . Patients perception of illness equally important to be addressed to and are basic and cross-cultural requirement of all patients.