What are effective strategies for building trust with patients from different cultures?

In the context of health communications, culture is a composite of a set of beliefs, attitudes, and values that influence patients’ behavior toward health and medicine. Therefore: 1) It’s not uncommon for patients to believe that supernatural forces are both the source and cure for illness 2) While most patients may believe that science plays an important role in diagnosis and therapy, others believe in natural and holistic healing practices as effective cures 3) In developing countries, communities also believe in alternative systems of medicine Patients’ command over language affects their understanding of behavioral changes that therapy may require. It is therefore essential for healthcare providers to be sensitive to these factors.

In my personal experience, fostering trust commences with understanding of patient journey and working towards to improve it. Equally crucial to understand and respect diverse perspectives, incorporating them into the journey to identify, implement, and refine solutions. A valuable lesson I've gleaned is the profound impact of transparent communication. Moreover, introducing the patient's voice in the initial phases of any endeavor plays a pivotal role in crafting solutions that resonate deeply within the community.

Dear Christina, Very interesting points brought forth by you in the responses provided. I specifically liked the deep thoughts behind: ? It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease the person has - Hippocrates ? In the context of health communications, culture is a composite of a set of beliefs, attitudes, and values that influence patients’ behaviour toward health and medicine ? Conversations should demonstrate an attempt to understand the patient’s perspective Thank you for your thoughts.

Great insight, Christina. Like you said, it is important to make space for the personal beliefs of a patient in a country like India, where the socio-cultural milieu is always evolving. Furthermore, your point about creating a safe space for patients in healthcare communication especially resonated with me. Various studies have indicated that patients often conceal information, which in turn can impact diagnosis and recovery. Often, this is done because they fear judgment or anticipate being typecast as someone who makes poor lifestyle choices. Building trust is a two-way street. An empathetic healthcare provider can indeed build a safe space to foster honesty by setting a tone of tolerance, workability, and empathy.

Empathy – the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings – is critical for patient communication. Conversations should demonstrate the attempt to understand the patient’s perspective. 1) In the beginning, be more formal, it shows respect 2) Be aware of marital status and gender; ask if the patient would like the spouse to come along. When it involves hospitalization, building relationships with patients’ family members is important 3) Be conscious of differences in health beliefs 4) Create a ‘safe space’ to encourage honesty and openness 5) Explain the need for recommended treatment, rather than forcing compliance When both clinician and patient overcome cultural barriers, that is proof of good interpersonal communication.

“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease the person has.” Reportedly, those are the words of Hippocrates, the man considered the father of medicine. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic, life-long conditions. Managing them can be complex for both provider and patient. 1) Conversations about the future path of the disease help manage fears and concerns 2) Awareness of social context – like the ability of patients to manage their conditions – helps find adaptable solutions 3) New therapy or care plans should reflect shared goals of both patient and provider 4) Where possible, include caregivers in these conversations Paying attention to what is not said is just as important!