70737 - Transcultural Clinical Skills and Management of Culturally Competent Organizations

Learning outcomes

Following the general educational objectives of the medical and surgical course and the WHO (World Health Organization) definition of health (a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing), the course is designed to provide theoretical and practical tools of understanding of the psychological and physical suffering at the different ages and stages of life within the complexity of contemporary society. In particular, the course will provide theoretical knowledge and practical skilss to enhance the Cultural Competence in the doctor-patient relationship.

We summarize below the educational objectives in line with the Dublin descriptors and the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges).

• knowledge and understanding:

The students must demonstrate an understanding of the manner in which people of diverse cultures and belief systems perceive health and illness and respond to various symptoms, diseases, and treatments.

• applying knowledge and understanding:

Medical students should learn to recognize and appropriately address gender and cultural biases in health care delivery, while considering first the health of the patient.

• Making judgements

Medical student should be able to value the importance of the link between effective communication and quality care. Particularly, they should be able to Value the importance of diversity in health care and address the challenges and opportunities it poses.

• Communication skills

Medical students must demonstrate ability in asking questions to elicit patient preferences and respond appropriately to patient feedback about key cross-cultural issues.

• Learning skills.

Medical students must describe social cognitive factors and impact of race/ethnicity, culture, and class on clinical decision-making.

Course contents

Discussion of the cultural competence of local hospital and community services involving pregnancy care, birth care, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, child neuropsychiatry, paediatric palliative care.

Readings/Bibliography

N/A

Teaching methods

Lectures
Discussion of clinical cases

Assessment methods

Reports on the discussed clinical cases focused on observation / assessment of cultural competence elements in patient-doctor relationship

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Martini