[Barriers to communication between clinicians and immigrants]

Abstract

Clinicians lack cultural competencies and communication skills relevant to clinical decision-making in cases of language and cultural barriers. Life course perspectives and basic understanding of life in exile are not integrated in diagnostics, treatment or follow-up resulting in low patient compliance, mistrust, complications, diagnostic errors and delays. Stereotyping and generalizations put patients in a position where they are forced to protect themselves by withholding important information. When in doubt clinicians should ask, listen and avoid guessing.