Publication
Title
Effective medical professionals: translating foreign language needs in online intercultural communication training
Author
Abstract
In a globalised world, linguistic and intercultural challenges are part of professional life [1]. When different cultural and/or language backgrounds are at play, misunderstandings between medical professionals and their patients and between medical professionals and their colleagues will adversely affect patient care and treatment, and have professional consequences for the health caretakers [2,3]. Healthcare professionals' communication skills are an important component of their professional identity, and are linked to perceptions of their competence as medical professionals [4]. It is therefore important to understand how they manage these conversations, as well as the basis for their evaluations of these interactions. In order to fill this gap, this presentation will report on several needs analyses (2007-2016), questionnaires with mobile doctors (n= 134) and nurses (n= 400) and interviews with their colleagues and heads (n= 54) as well as usability studies of the ensuing materials. From the needs analyses it emerged that language-specific (rather than general communication) skills training is most needed and should address communication about culturally-grounded (e.g., health and religious) beliefs. Qualitative analyses of self-reported descriptions of workplace incidents revealed two primary loci of linguistic problems: issues with vocabulary (i.e., doctors cannot find the word they need) and issues with comprehension (i.e., doctors are unable to understand what interlocutor is saying). By tracking the professionals' learning routes and routines guidelines for an effective e-learning approach were formulated. These insights have been used to inform the development of multifaceted e-learning materials for intercultural communication training, with the ultimate goal of improving the effectiveness of communication and care. In sum, the Communication for Professionals (ComfroPro) e-materials embed intercultural strategies and tips in written and audio-recorded scenarios as well as real life video cases. By providing multiple learning routes and social network support ComforPro tries to enhance the professional's communication skills and defuse a number of challenges, including engaging in small talk, facing nonverbal communication, and observing cultural norms and expectations.
Language
English
Source (journal)
EDULEARN16: 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION AND NEW LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
Source (book)
8th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, (EDULEARN), JUL 04-06, 2016, Barcelona, SPAIN
Publication
Valenica : Iated-int assoc technology education a& development , 2016
ISBN
978-84-608-8860-4
978-84-608-8860-4
DOI
10.21125/EDULEARN.2016.1131
Volume/pages
(2016) , p. 672-681
ISI
000402955900087
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 13.07.2017
Last edited 04.03.2024
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