Docs not ready for cross-cultures

BOSTON, Sep 08, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Resident physicians say their training doesn't prepare them to treat patients from other cultures, such as those at odds with Western medicine.

Researchers say such socio-cultural differences often influence communication and clinical decision making and result in poor health outcomes.

Joel Weissman of Massachusetts General Hospital and colleagues surveyed about 3,500 residents in seven specialties during their final year of training in 2003 to determine whether they reported receiving formal training and evaluation in cross-cultural care during their residency.

Ninety-six percent of the 2,047 who responded indicated it was moderately or very important to address cultural issues when providing care.

While only 8 percent said they were not prepared to care for diverse cultures in a general sense, a larger percentage of respondents believed they were not prepared to provide specific components of cross-cultural care, including caring for patients with health beliefs at odds with Western medicine (25 percent), new immigrants (25 percent), and patients whose religious beliefs affect treatment (20 percent).

In addition, 24 percent said they lacked the skills to identify relevant cultural customs that impact medical care.

The study is detailed in the Sept. 7 issue of JAMA.