[The transcultural perspective in health promotion, not just a problem of language. Transculturation and health promotion].
Health behaviours, physician-patient communication and health outcomes are all influenced by the individual's perception of illness, which in turn is significantly influenced by one's cultural background. The nature of communication between people from different cultural groups is a complex phenomenon: communication even in a shared language can be hindered by the ambiguity of words that carry multiple meanings. Creating an environment of cultural awareness and sensitivity which respects the different values and beliefs of individuals is a first step in resolving this problem. Health education programs must take into account the subjective experience of illness, and on this basis promote collaboration with the patient, so improving not only the clinical outcome but also the patient's perceived satisfaction. Despite the current, general trend to promote the need for training of health professionals to give sensitive, empathetic patient care that guarantees full respect for the individual's autonomy, there are few empirical data available on the link between specific cultural skills and improved health care.
Angelino
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Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri I.R.C.C.S., Istituto Scientifico di Veruno, Sede distaccata di Torino-Casa di Cura Major, Torino, Italy. eangelino@fsm.it
D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language