Self-assessment of Intercultural Communication Skills in Physicians and Medical Students
Author Information
Author(s): Patricia Hudelson, Noelle Junod, Thomas Perneger
Primary Institution: University Hospitals of Geneva
Hypothesis
How do physicians and medical students in Geneva self-assess their intercultural communication skills?
Conclusion
Students and physicians should practice intercultural skills with immigrant patients as part of their training.
Supporting Evidence
- Respondents rated themselves less competent at intercultural tasks than at basic medical skills.
- Qualified doctors and those with cultural competence training rated themselves more competent.
- The response rate was lower among private doctors compared to hospital doctors and medical students.
Takeaway
Doctors and students in Geneva think they are better at regular medical skills than at talking to patients from different cultures.
Methodology
A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a sample of physicians and medical students to assess their self-rated competency in clinical and intercultural skills.
Potential Biases
Higher participation of respondents with greater interest in cross-cultural medicine may skew results.
Limitations
The study had a relatively low response rate and may not fully represent the local physician population.
Participant Demographics
Respondents included 28.4% private practice doctors, 49.4% hospital doctors, and 22.1% medical students, with a majority being Swiss nationals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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