Overview
This analysis illustrates a consistently high level of professional competence and intercultural awareness demonstrated in a real-world healthcare context. The practitioner engages with intercultural communication not only with clarity and consistency but also with a degree of innovation that reflects both deep theoretical understanding and practical adaptability. Their approach demonstrates a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of foundational concepts, particularly in relation to cultural sensitivity, unconscious bias, and the ethics of preventive healthcare. By applying theoretical frameworks such as Hofstede’s value dimensions and addressing both prohibitive and inhibitive cultural dynamics, they exhibit a sophisticated ability to navigate and interpret complex intercultural situations.
In terms of application, they consistently showcase advanced critical and creative thinking. Concrete, practice-based examples such as addressing language barriers, managing culturally shaped gender expectations, and adapting communication strategies demonstrate a strong capacity to translate theory into practical action. These strategies include the use of professional interpreters, nonverbal cues, and culturally appropriate dialogue to ensure accurate and respectful exchanges of information.
The case further reflects a high degree of knowledge integration. There is clear evidence of the independent and skillful transfer of academic insights into a professional setting. Tools such as motivational interviewing, cultural sensitivity training, and reflective practice are employed with fluency, indicating a seamless alignment between formal learning and everyday professional decision-making.
Moreover, the practitioner demonstrates a profound understanding of the intricacies of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics. They are acutely aware of how cultural background, social norms, and personal values influence parental decisions, healthcare expectations, and communication styles. Their ability to build trust, respond empathetically, and maintain professional composure in sensitive situations speaks to a high level of emotional and intercultural intelligence.
A strong commitment to ongoing learning is also evident. The practitioner draws from both structured training and personal reflection to continually refine their intercultural competencies. They demonstrate adaptability in real-time interactions and are responsive to both verbal and non-verbal cues, ensuring communication remains effective and respectful.
Ultimately, the practitioner demonstrates a genuine and consistent commitment to the ethical and relational aspects of intercultural communication. Their work reflects a deep care for equity and inclusion, particularly when cultural beliefs intersect with legal or medical standards. Rather than imposing values, they aim to foster mutual understanding through open and respectful dialogue, embodying the principles of culturally competent care.

Hofstede Dimensions Power Distance

The interview of the healthcare professional presents these characteristics of Power Distance that reflect the low score in Netherlands, 38 (International Business Centre, n.d.). The interviewee referred to a work culture in which a lot of people are of female gender as well as no clear division of hierarchy is first visible since the employees do not wear white coats to clarify their status (Interview, 06-06-2025). This echoes the tendency of the Dutch to disregard hierarchical organizations with narrower power distance between compositional and probably between the management and the employees (Hofstede et al., 2010). Nevertheless, the interview also tangled the issue of culture in taking care of clients who belong to high power distance societies where patients are not open to the idea of female doctors or find it hard to accept them in their leadership roles (Interview, 06-06-2025). This manner of highly stating professional roles and at the same time effectively engaging in an open conversation shows how acceptable values of low power distance structure of the Dutch can be adjusted when attending to representatives of different cultures (Interview, 06-06-2025).

Individualism-Collectivism Individualism in the Netherlands is rated at 80, a level that is demonstrated through the strategies employed by the Dutch public health organization when concerning healthcare delivery and professional ethics (International Business Centre, n.d.). The interviewee stressed that healthcare professionals are more concerned with the needs of individual patients than their cultural backgrounds: they would not concentrate on the background of anyone but on what the patient needs and how they could help (Interview, 06-06-2025). This individualistic style is consistent with the Dutch culture that emphasizes individual freedom, independence and self-sufficiency (Hofstede et al., 2010). The interview showed, however, that one has difficulties working with more collectivistic culture clients and specifically their approach of family decision-making, as well as family attitudes toward interpreters (Interview, 06-06-2025). The Dutch public health organization overcomes these variant assumptions by recognizing their cultural stance but at the same time upholding their professionalism, which indicates how individualistic medical systems can be adjusted in such a way that they accommodate collectivistic communities well (Interview, 06-06-2025).

Masculinity Vs Femininity The low masculinity rating of 14 recorded by the Netherlands also shines through the interview as the country has a feminine culture, caring, cooperation, and equality (International Business Centre, n.d.). These feminine cultural features can be explained by the Dutch public health organization’s mission of preventive health, child welfare, and personal treatment of patients (Hofstede et al., 2010). The interviewed person defined the work by professional ethics and caring mentality that aims to help other people remain or become healthy independently of the background (Interview, 06-06-2025). Such caring focus is observed most strongly when it comes to the management of very sensitive cultural matters: the discussion of the topic of female genital mutilation in a compassionate and yet clear-cut manner of both law and health provisions: an observance of how deeply the Dutch feminine cultural focus underlines the importance of protecting vulnerable groups through supportive yet strict leadership (Interview, 06-06-2025).
Outcome

Outcome
This case study shows how important intercultural communication is in preventive child healthcare. In this field, professionals often work with families from many different cultures. These families may have different ideas about health, parenting, gender roles, or who makes decisions in the family. This can make communication more difficult, especially when the healthcare provider and the family do not share the same values or ways of thinking. The Dutch healthcare system is based on values such as equality, openness, and individual responsibility. Healthcare workers are expected to talk directly with patients, treat everyone equally, and give personal advice based on each individual’s needs. However, many families come from cultures where the doctor or nurse is seen as a strong authority figure, or where the family makes decisions together, not just one parent. This can lead to misunderstandings.
In this case, it can be seen how professionals try to deal with these challenges in a respectful and professional way. They use practical tools such as professional interpreters to avoid language problems. They also pay close attention to non-verbal communication, like body language or tone of voice, to make sure their message is understood. In some situations, they take extra time to explain procedures or ask more questions to understand the family’s beliefs or concerns. What could be seen as prohibitive in this context are strict legal and ethical boundaries that healthcare professionals must follow, even when these conflict with a family’s cultural background. One example is the issue of female genital mutilation. It is illegal in the Netherlands, and healthcare workers are required to report it. While this must be addressed, professionals also have to approach the conversation very carefully to avoid creating shame or mistrust. They try to explain the law and medical concerns in a way that is clear but also compassionate. In such cases cultural understanding and professional duty must be balanced carefully.
Inhibitive issues appear more often and are often related to communication styles or family dynamics. One example is when only one parent, usually the father, speaks during the appointment, and the mother stays quiet. While this may reflect the family’s cultural norms, it limits the healthcare worker’s ability to gather information or include the mother in the conversation. Sometimes, families avoid sensitive topics altogether or respond very briefly, making it hard to know whether they understand the information being shared. These moments slow down communication and require more effort from the professional to build trust and clarity.

Outcome
This case study shows how important intercultural communication is in preventive child healthcare. In this field, professionals often work with families from many different cultures. These families may have different ideas about health, parenting, gender roles, or who makes decisions in the family. This can make communication more difficult, especially when the healthcare provider and the family do not share the same values or ways of thinking. The Dutch healthcare system is based on values such as equality, openness, and individual responsibility. Healthcare workers are expected to talk directly with patients, treat everyone equally, and give personal advice based on each individual’s needs. However, many families come from cultures where the doctor or nurse is seen as a strong authority figure, or where the family makes decisions together, not just one parent. This can lead to misunderstandings.

In this case, it can be seen how professionals try to deal with these challenges in a respectful and professional way. They use practical tools such as professional interpreters to avoid language problems. They also pay close attention to non-verbal communication, like body language or tone of voice, to make sure their message is understood. In some situations, they take extra time to explain procedures or ask more questions to understand the family’s beliefs or concerns. What could be seen as prohibitive in this context are strict legal and ethical boundaries that healthcare professionals must follow, even when these conflict with a family’s cultural background. One example is the issue of female genital mutilation. It is illegal in the Netherlands, and healthcare workers are required to report it. While this must be addressed, professionals also have to approach the conversation very carefully to avoid creating shame or mistrust. They try to explain the law and medical concerns in a way that is clear but also compassionate. In such cases cultural understanding and professional duty must be balanced carefully.

Inhibitive issues appear more often and are often related to communication styles or family dynamics. One example is when only one parent, usually the father, speaks during the appointment, and the mother stays quiet. While this may reflect the family’s cultural norms, it limits the healthcare worker’s ability to gather information or include the mother in the conversation. Sometimes, families avoid sensitive topics altogether or respond very briefly, making it hard to know whether they understand the information being shared. These moments slow down communication and require more effort from the professional to build trust and clarity.

What stands out is the healthcare worker’s ability to stay calm, kind, and respectful, even when the conversation becomes sensitive. For example, when discussing sensitive topics like family roles, traditional practices, or health taboos, they manage to stay professional while showing empathy. They do not approach them with judgement but instead try to explain Dutch laws and healthcare values in a way that is accessible and caring. This helps build trust and allows the family to feel safe asking questions or expressing concerns.Cultural understanding and flexibility is essential. Even when conversations are difficult, they aim to stay respectful, protect their professional responsibilities, and prioritize that the child receives proper care. This case shows that intercultural communication is about being aware of cultural differences, recognizing when something might be prohibitive or inhibitive, and responding with respect and professionalism. All this also leads to better health outcomes for children.

Possible solutions
To deal with cultural challenges in child healthcare, professionals can use a few practical tools. One is motivational interviewing, which helps start open conversations without pressure. It encourages families to think for themselves while still getting clear guidance.
Another solution is using cultural mediators – people who understand both the Dutch system and the family’s background. They help explain things during sensitive topics like gender roles or family decision-making.
Also, small changes in communication style – like adjusting tone or slowing down, can help when direct Dutch communication might feel too harsh to some families.
Lastly, offering follow-up appointments for difficult topics gives families time to process and ask questions later. It builds trust without rushing things.
These steps help professionals stay respectful, clear, and effective – even when cultural values differ.

Authors
Student: Marissa Radin Ding Zi-Ing
Linkedin url: www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-radin-b671ba288

Student: Roos van Eeken
Linkedin url: www.linkedin.com/in/roos-van-eeken-b13a332b8

Student: Vanessa Koch
Linkedin url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-koch-916026249/

Student: Biran Matarasso
LinkedIn url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biran-matarasso-601a93290/

This case model explores the impact of cultural beliefs and interpretations on pediatric healthcare, particularly within a child surgical department. It examines how cultural differences shape medical decision-making, influence doctor-patient relationships, and affect communication between healthcare providers and families.

To better understand these dynamics, the study will introduce the Hofstede model as a framework for comparing cultural differences, focusing on key dimensions such as power distance and uncertainty avoidance in medical settings. Insights from our interview with a medical specialist will further illustrate how religious beliefs and cultural perspectives play a role in treatment decisions.

Finally, the study will explore potential solutions to help healthcare professionals bridge cultural gaps. By fostering cultural awareness and improving communication, medical teams can create a more inclusive and empathetic environment, ensuring that every child receives care that respects their family’s values and beliefs.

Hofstede Dimensions

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory helps us understand how national culture influences behavior and decision-making. In the context of a German doctor working in a Dutch hospital, these cultural differences can impact healthcare choices, especially when treating sick children. For example, Germany’s higher uncertainty avoidance may lead to a more conservative approach to surgeries, while the Netherlands’ individualism may prioritize parental input and autonomy in medical decisions. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs can influence treatment options, such as whether to proceed with life-saving surgeries. Understanding these dimensions helps healthcare professionals navigate cultural differences and provide sensitive care.

1. Power Distance Index (PDI)

• Germany has a higher PDI, meaning more hierarchical authority, while the Netherlands values equality and shared decision-making. This could influence the German doctor to adapt to a more collaborative approach with parents and colleagues.

2. Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV)

• The Netherlands is more collectivist and places more emphasis on the welfare of the collective, while Germany is more individualistic and prioritises personal objectives and liberty. Dutch families may prioritise the family decision, while German doctors may prioritise the requirements of the individual when making decisions about sick children.

3. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

• Germany has a high UAI, meaning they prefer clear, structured procedures. In a situation where religion plays a role, like a family’s reluctance to approve a surgery on religious grounds, a German doctor might push for a well-defined, risk-averse approach, emphasizing medical guidelines. In contrast, the Dutch, with lower UAI, might be more flexible, possibly allowing for more discussion with the family about alternative treatments that respect religious beliefs.

4. Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS)

• Germany leans towards masculinity, focusing on achievement and competitiveness, while the Netherlands is more feminine, emphasizing care, quality of life, and relationships. This could affect how the German doctor approaches patient care, with a focus on efficiency versus a more empathetic, patient-centered approach in the Dutch setting.

5. Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation (LTO)

• Germany has a long-term orientation, focusing on planning and persistence, while the Netherlands has a more short-term orientation, focusing on the present and immediate results. Germany may prioritise long-term health results, whereas the Netherlands may prioritise immediate relief, which could have an impact on how decisions about a child’s therapy or surgery are made.

Outcome

Cultural differences significantly impact pediatric healthcare, shaping medical decisions, communication, and patient care. Hofstede’s dimensions provide a framework for understanding these influences. In Germany, where power distance is higher, doctors often make decisions with minimal family input, whereas in the Netherlands, shared decision-making is prioritized. Some families expect doctors to take charge, while others prefer active involvement in treatment choices.

Cultural values also shape medical approaches. Dutch collectivism emphasizes family-based decisions, while Germany’s individualism prioritizes personal autonomy. German doctors may strictly adhere to medical guidelines, whereas Dutch professionals might explore alternative treatments, particularly when religious beliefs play a role. Some families seek detailed explanations, while others trust the doctor’s expertise without question.

Germany’s efficiency-driven healthcare contrasts with the Netherlands’ patient-centered approach, which values emotional support. Similarly, Germany’s long-term orientation prioritizes future health outcomes, while Dutch practices focus on immediate well-being. Hospitals provide translated materials and interpreters to ensure families from different backgrounds fully understand medical procedures, allowing them to make informed decisions about their child’s care. Accommodating cultural needs helps foster trust and inclusivity.

To achieve the best outcomes for the child, family, and hospital, surgeons must balance medical necessity with cultural sensitivity. This involves clear, empathetic communication and collaboration with cultural mediators when needed. They must align treatments with hospital policies while remaining flexible to patient needs, such as allowing family involvement, adjusting visiting hours, or offering alternative treatment options. By integrating cultural awareness with medical expertise, surgeons can optimize care, ensuring families feel supported while maintaining hospital efficiency and high treatment standards.

Insights from our interview with a medical specialist highlight the importance of cultural awareness in pediatric healthcare. Recognizing diverse perspectives enhances communication, builds trust, and ensures more compassionate and effective care for all families.

Possible solutions

Hospitals can take several important steps to enhance communication and cultural sensitivity in pediatric healthcare. First, they should provide pre-translated medical documents in the primary languages spoken by families, such as consent forms, procedure guides, and post-care instructions. This ensures that all families fully understand their child’s care regardless of their language. Additionally, interpreter services should be readily available, either in-person or via phone/video calls, especially during complex procedures where clear communication is crucial. It’s essential that interpreters are trained in medical terminology to avoid misunderstandings.

Hospitals should also consider the use of cultural mediators or liaisons, who can help navigate cultural differences, particularly around decision-making. Some families may expect a more collaborative, shared decision-making process, while others may place greater trust in the doctor’s authority. Understanding these differences and respecting family preferences can help foster a more positive and inclusive care experience. In cases where families require spiritual support, hospitals can maintain a list of local religious leaders, such as priests or imams, who are available on-call to offer comfort during difficult times.

Flexibility is key to meeting cultural needs. Hospitals should adjust visiting hours, meal options, and communication styles to accommodate family traditions and preferences. A centralized system to manage language services and cultural requests can streamline the process and ensure effective responses. By combining cultural awareness with medical care, hospitals create a more supportive, inclusive environment for families.

Authors

• Karen Abousleiman
  International Business, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
  Block 2, Semester 1, 2025
• Maya Elissawi
  International Business, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
  Block 2, Semester 1, 2025

Our case is about a professional winchman aboard a search- and rescue helicopter working for an organization in the UK.  The helicopter crew operates in a certain action-radius and at any given time there are 10 helicopter-crews stationed in different areas throughout the U.K. The company has 24-hour shifts. Our interviewee works for 2 weeks of and on in the UK. Where he spends his nights in hotels waiting for emergency calls.

Aboard the SAR S92 helicopter there is a four-man crew consisting of a pilot, a co-pilot, a winchman and winch-operator. The crew aboard the helicopter has multiple nationalities and in their line of work they come in contact with a lot of people from different countries who need to be rescued from all sorts of dangerous situations on land but more often in the sea.

Our interviewee is a Dutchman working with mostly British crewmates. He likes being a caregiver as it gives him satisfaction.

Hofstede Dimensions

For a comparison of cultures we had to use the cultural bridges tool and looked at the different dimensions of culture as described by Hofstede.

Outcome

Identify any cultural limitations

When our interviewee started working as a winchman, he noticed he needed to accommodate and cope with the new people and culture. This was something that happened natural. It’s good to understand that you come from another country with different cultural aspects. Although the UK is nearby, it still has many differences. For instance, the Dutch say many ‘negative things’ like: ‘’You f##ked this up’’. In the UK people reflect on the positive side of things. They find it hard to say their meaning straight to another person. They communicate vaguer in contrast with the Dutch. Our interviewee thinks it’s better to be clear about a subject to prevent miscommunication. He doesn’t like this behind the back talking. When someone tells me in person what I did wrong I can improve myself. But the English have trouble with this, they talk in 3^rd person to another and not directly to someone. When our interviewee first comes to another country, he isn’t aware of all the cultural differences. It’s in his nature to behave and cope with other people. But then later afterwards he becomes more self-aware. He learned from his experiences it’s in the Dutch culture to think we as Dutchies are always right. But that’s not true.

What could be perceived as either prohibitive or inhibitive issues that the organization addresses?

Our interviewee doesn’t find many things in his working context prohibitive neither inhibitive. He thinks that if you would be prohibitive/inhibitive in this kind of work you shouldn’t do this work. He feels this way because there aren’t that many cultural differences with the UK. An example of the only difference he sees is that the UK is stricter with their policies. The British people tend to stick to the rules and regulations while Dutch people would be inclined to make an exception in some situations. This might also be since the English get punished more if they don’t work according to the rules and regulations. So, it is  prohibitive to follow his own feeling and needs to work from orders.

When working in an international team you tend to adjust your behavior automatically. An example of something that felt inhibitive to him was when he felt that a colleague wasn’t properly fulfilling his job, and he felt that it needed to be communicated directly towards him. But this is against the English cultural norms. He felt this was very important as in his line of work a situation can be life-threatening. Normally when they work together, they operate almost flawlessly in the helicopter. So, when somebody isn’t doing their job properly, he feels like he has to let the colleague know, because his life is in their hands. So even though it feels inhibitive to tell his colleague he isn’t doing his job properly he will still tell him.

An example of miscommunication with a patient in working context was with a Polish patient on a fishing trolley. He broke his hand, because it got in between the netting and the trolley. While recuing the Polish, this person was apparently afraid of flying and tried to point this out to through sign and body language. Our interviewee just did his job and persuaded the fisherman to get into the straps so they could lift him off the boat. Our interviewee didn’t give him attention to his fears of flying and found out in the midflight that the man was panicking a bit while he was suspended in the air because he was afraid of flying.

A possible solution / best practice

In this situation our interviewee reacted in an English way: he followed the standard procedure and helped the Polish man from a life-threatening situation. Maybe it’s because of the Dutch culture that he thinks of other ways he could’ve helped the Polish man. In context with the English who always follow the rules and are less likely to find another solution. A possible solution in this situation was following his instinct by listening to the nonverbal communication of the Polish man. But that also could’ve be dangerous for the life-threatening situation. 

The way that our interviewee reacts is different per situation. For instance, is it a life-threatening situation? Where it’s better to follow the standard procedures to rescue someone the quickest way possible. Or is it a less life-threatening situation where you can also listen to the patient’s concerns and mental state to prevent someone getting a panic attack. To prevent this is by: talking to someone and make them realize that the symptoms are harmless, that they need to take a deep breath end tell them they are going to be alright. So, more personal attention. The patient will have to comply with the winch operator anyway, to be able to get rescued.

Our interviewee said that the helicopter crew he works in sometimes feels similar to being a part of a military squad. There is a cultural feeling about equality and co-dependence. The crew need to be able to speak their minds to one another regardless of the situation. Our interviewee said he felt like there is no hierarchical bound withholding him from doing so. According to him this is because the crew is a small team and they have a great bond. He doesn’t feel there is difference when flying with a Dutch crew or a crew that has multiple cultures aboard because the actual work they do doesn’t change per country.

They also do CRM courses (crew resource management). This course is meant to give them insights in the way every crew member feels. Especially with diversity in cultures in mind. They need to understand how people think and people react and their behavior. It is also meant to prevent human error in the diverse situations. Every time an accident does occur they will playback the cockpit audio and conversations, usually when an accident occurs it is because there is a distraction or a quarrel between the crewmembers.

Aviation can be very deadly very quickly, that’s the reason that they are also educated in this kind of training. So when a quarrel does happen they might be able to resolve it before it leads to any kind of trouble.

Student Authors

Mike Van Voorthuisen (LinkedIn)
Student: Faculty Business & Economics, the Netherlands
Block 4,  Semester 2, 2021

Thenadey, Nina (LinkedIn)
Student:  Faculty Health Psychology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences,  the Netherlands
Block 4, Semester 2, 2021

Do we, as global citizens, understand the necessity of comprehending cultures? As an international student, we have a choice to decide who we collaborate with in certain projects or who we accept as a friend, but in a professional aspect, it’s more complicated than that. Brazilian doctors, for example, face a great deal of cultural related and language issues that they have to deal with one way or another.

Outcome

There was a heartbreaking situation where a Bantu couple’s son was diagnosed with Leukemia during their visit to Brazil, but they never fully understood what was wrong with their son since the doctors in Brazil failed to explain what was wrong even with the embassy’s aid and this was mainly because the word ‘Leukemia’ does not exist in the Bantu vocabulary. During such times, it’s unfortunate that a proper understanding of the current situation is not provided to some people which might have led to the death of their son. 

Hofstede Dimension

https://tcps.institute/cultural_bridges_tool.html

Indigenous people, Africans, Haitians, and the elderly people of Pomerode require the most interpretation in Brazilian hospitals as their Portuguese language skills are not so great. Apart from language issues, there are other barriers, such as culture. Due to the colossal earthquake that occurred in 2010, a substantial number of Haitians moved to Brazil in search of making a living, but have not adapted to the different levels of power distance and mostly like other Hofstede dimensions as well. Hierarchy is highly respected, as observed in the usage of the honorific ‘Dr.’; however, one would expect the last name to follow and not the first name. Besides, this unique combination of Dr. + First name, Brazilian indirectness, and general chitchats before any formal meeting most likely clashes with the Haitian values and thought patterns. For instance, women will not speak directly during the doctor’s appointment if the doctor is a male as it’s prohibitive and inhibitive for women to speak out loud in the presence of men, and this itself can come across as a cultural shock for Brazilian doctors. In this case, her husband, father, or son will talk to the doctor but will fail to interpret the women’s feelings. This can be defined as a failure in communication as the sender omits vital information and the receiver (husband) reproduces incomplete information to the next receiver, who is the doctor, and this is due to the language barrier as well as the inability and the unwillingness of female patients to speak to the male doctor directly.

Possible Solutions

As a solution, it is wise to have a female assistant talk to the women since proper comfortable communication is necessary to diagnose the correct problem and give a suitable treatment. The Brazilian doctor we interviewed specifically mentioned: “communication is a therapeutic process,”, the art of medicine, so when culture is embedded in communication, we should deal with it accordingly. However, unfortunately, it is evident that some of his Brazilian coworkers who are doctors and upper in the hierarchy are reluctant to lower their power distance to establish communication with a refugee patient who does not speak Portuguese, and this leaves the immigrant patient vunerable. This action comes from the notion “this is not part of my job” or “Why would I waste my precious time with this one patient.” As doctors, they do care about the wellbeing of their patients but have limited time for the appointments and therefore would prefer if foreigners try to find solutions for language barriers. However, it is vital for a patient to receive the necessary aid regardless of any other barriers, and discrimination should be abandoned by the doctors.

Despite the lack of cooperation, hospitals do try to figure out a way to seek aid in interpretation. For example, they first see if the hospital has someone who speaks Creole or French and is willing to help the patient, then the patient accepts this person, and the informal interpretation happens. If the correct interpreter is not found, social services are contacted to request a Haitian interpreter to help, and this is a genuine way of obtaining the right person even during an emergency as the hospital has a good relationship with social services. Apart from that, translation apps are the only other immediate source used. Overall, it is unfortunate that hospitals do not have professionals capable of interpreting for patients, and as an external support, there are no Haitian consulates in Blumenau. As a best practice, it is good for doctors themselves to have intercultural communication training to become more aware of the influence of power distance and to focus on the art of medicine rather than just the science of it. To conclude, our case model showed the importance of culture during interpretation as well as the importance of having the right person to interpret. However, it is evident that Brazil does have the human resources necessary, but it has not utilized it to its full potential, and as a consequence, this is a big hindrance in the medical field for diagnosing and treating patients.

Authors

Pedro Henrique Salmeron: Block 2, Semester 1, 2020/2021
(LinkedIn)

Demi Thomas: Block 2, Semester 1, 2020/2021
(LinkedIn)

Jessica John Prabakar: Block 2, Semester 1, 2020/2021
(LinkedIn)

Mathys Bremond: Block 2, Semester 1, 2020/2021
(LinkedIn)

Breast cancer is still a taboo in multiple countries. It is a very personal illness because it affects everyone differently, and addresses sensitive issues such as intimacy, sexuality and death. Around the world, multiple institutions are specialized in treating breast cancer, and are increasingly facing multicultural patients. Every doctor must be sure that the medical follow-up is explained in the language of the patient (and based on the patient’s education), understood, and accepted by the patient, regardless of their culture and language. In fact, since some treatment prevents from having children, it is very important that the final decision is that of the patient, that it be free and of his/her own responsibility. It would be prohibitive for a doctor to have prejudices about patients (their reactions or acceptance towards a treatment) deduced from their cultural background, because they all react differently and this even if they have the same cultural background. For example, between a patient with a Chinese cultural background and French doctors who treat her, there is a big gap between the individualist dimension of the two cultures. In fact, individualism scores quite high in China, whereas it scores very low in France. Therefore, while the relationships of the Chinese patient with colleagues are cooperative for in-group, they might be cold or even hostile to the doctors which represent out-groups. Therefore, a Chinese interpreter could allow the patient to feel more comfortable and help her to confide more about her symptoms and how she is feeling. Besides, all doctors and medical institutions are subject to medical confidentiality, a set of rules that limits access to information discussed between a patient and their healthcare practitioners. The fact that all discussions and results are kept privet allows some people to talk with more ease and feel more secure. However, considering that a breast cancer affects a woman’s sexuality, even though there is the medical confidentiality, it might be inhibitive or even prohibitive for a woman to talk about her breast to a male doctor. When treating a cancer, doctors have to reach and understand the internal (deep) culture of their patients.

Hofstede Dimensions

https://tcps.institute/cultural_bridges_tool.html

OUTCOME

This case model analyse how information about breast cancer is exchanged between doctors and institutions around the world. During an interview, it was pointed out that when making new research, doctors always take a look at the international research already carried out, which illustrates the international aspect of health. A surgery team from France went to China to help out and learn more about their practices. They were imbued with different cultures and while respecting the power distance of the country and its other dimensions, they managed to exchange their know-how. There is no judgment when health is concerned, no superiority of one country over another, they all learn from each other. Besides, the interviewee explained that every person hired at his institution had to say which languages they can speak and if they are willing to help interpreting (translate orally) and translating (interprets written text) if needed.

AUTHORS

Séléna Bondu: Semester 1, Block 2, 2020/21
International Business Student ­– Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
(LinkedIn)
Block 2, Semester 1, 2020/2021

Ephraim Boakye: Semester 1, Block 2, 2020/21
International Business Student – Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
(LinkedIn)

Oskar Smaliński: Semester 1, Block 2, 2020/21
Management student – Kozminski University
(LinkedIn)

Doctors are increasingly faced with providing care to a multicultural society complicated by literacy and language issues. Ensuring safe and quality healthcare for all patients requires doctors to understand how each patient’s sociocultural background affects his or her health beliefs and behavior.

A Romanian doctor would exercise the art of medicine (trust, compassion, care, empathy) before applying the science (body systems, their diseases and treatment – and the applied practice of that knowledge) before addressing sensitive issues such as death, sexuality and depression. Such prohibitive conversations are approached in an extremely subtle way. That is because Romanians deal with hierarchies and higher power distance in society, so there is a considerable need for creating a safe dialogue and environment for patients. At the same time, Romanian culture is one of restraint in which desires and impulses, such as sexuality, are still prohibitive to discuss.

Elderly patients often prefer to be treated with a higher power distance, and expect the doctor to hold the power. They want to rely on the competence and decision making of the doctor, and be guided through their treatment without doubting the doctor. Younger patients often show the opposite preference when it comes to power distance to their doctor. They would like to give feedback, contribute their own ideas, and sometimes show skepticism about the doctor’s choices. Even so, the start of the relationship with a patient plays an important role in the overall diagnosis and healing process.

However, when treating new patients, it is not always possible to accurately predict the preferred power distance that the patient would like to see within his or her treatment.

Outcome

Key language

Authors

Iulia Rusu

Tarik El Baghdadi