Considering the cultural characteristics of foreign patients and physicians as a factor in healthcare safety and quality
https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2025-4659
EDN: UTTEIO
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of foreign nationals' participation in providing care in various forms — from foreign patients to physicians who arrived in Russia as migrant workers. The article highlights the cultural specificity of doctor- patient interactions using the example of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a focus on cardiovascular pathology. This applied medical anthropological study highlights key aspects of legislation, social structure, values, and communication stereotypes that are crucial for understanding the cultural specifics of another country and can have a significant impact on healthcare provision. Such aspects exist in any culture and in any country. Taking these factors into account will improve the quality of care provided to migrant patients and more effectively engage migrant physicians in practice, thereby enhancing not only the quality but also the safety of healthcare services.
Keywords
psychosocial factors,
sociocultural factors,
healthcare system,
medical ethics,
deontology,
doctor- patient relationship,
Iran,
Islamic law
Supporting agencies: The authors are grateful to the other team members — faculty members of Pirogov University — for their work on the project: Polyakov D. V., Stebeneva S. A., Agafonova S. A., Shablinsky A. I.
About the Authors
E. O. Taratukhin
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ostrovityanova str., 1, building 6, Moscow, 117513
I. V. Shakhabov
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ostrovityanova str., 1, building 6, Moscow, 117513
I. A. Trifonova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ostrovityanova str., 1, building 6, Moscow, 117513
References
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10.
- The issue of foreign nationals' participation in healthcare provision (as physicians and as patients) requires attention from a cultural and medical-anthropological perspective.
- The culture of Muslim countries, as exemplified by Iran, has a significant number of characteristics that can impact all stages of care, from collecting medical history to maintaining adherence to prescriptions.
- Doctors need to be trained in culturally specific communication skills with patients, and migrant doctors need to be trained in the cultural characteristics of Russian residents. Knowledge of languages or direct translation of speech into and out of a foreign language is not enough.
Review
For citations:
Taratukhin E.O., Shakhabov I.V., Trifonova I.A. Considering the cultural characteristics of foreign patients and physicians as a factor in healthcare safety and quality. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2025;24(4S):4659. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2025-4659. EDN: UTTEIO
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