What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to describe clinician-reported experiences and communication challenges with Asian patients facing serious illnesses.

June 23, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Cross-Cultural Serious Illness Communication Among Asian Patients and Families

CHCloris Huan

Key Points

This study aims to describe clinician-reported experiences and communication challenges with Asian patients facing serious illnesses.
Conducted five semi-structured interviews with clinicians caring for Asian patients with serious illnesses.
Investigated themes of cross-cultural communication, including cultural beliefs and definitions of best care.
Utilized content analysis to identify barriers to effective communication.
Identified barriers including cultural differences in healthcare systems and patient understanding of options.
Clinicians noted Asian patients often appeared reserved during discussions about serious illness.
Emphasized that family duty plays a crucial role in building trust and facilitating care.

Abstract

Context: The US Asian population is highly diverse, with varying cultures, beliefs, and communication preferences. It is unclear how to optimize communication with Asian patients with serious illness and their families in a manner concordant with their preferences and culture. Objective: The healthcare and health communication needs of Asian populations are understudied in the US. This study aims to describe clinician-reported experience communicating with Asian patients with serious illnesses. Method: This study conducted five semi-structured interviews with clinicians who cared for Asian patients with serious illnesses. The interviews investigated cross-cultural serious illness communication themes, including defining "best care," resources and support, and culturally adaptive care. This study used a content analysis approach to identify the utilization of and barriers to serious illness communication among Asian patients and clinicians to understand its impact on quality of care. Results: Barriers to Asian patient and clinician serious illness communication include (a) differences in healthcare system culture, (b) differences in the perceived role of healthcare providers, (c) differences in patient understanding of healthcare options, and disjointed care team communication and coordination of care plan. Family duty is essential for building trust among Asian populations and facilitating goal-concordant care. Clinicians characterized Asian patients as reserved and reticent during serious illness conversations, while clinicians were more direct communicators. Conclusion: This study may guide clinicians in adapting their communication practices to be more culturally conscious and goal-concordant and improve the overall experience and quality of care for Asian patients with serious illness. Further study is needed to better execute serious illness communication with Asian patients and families to enhance the patient care experience through culturally adaptive care.

问 AI

Bookmark

View Full Paper