Communication challenges experienced by migrants with cancer

A comparison of migrant and English‐speaking Australian‐born cancer patients

Bibliographic Data

ID19507971
AuthorsAmelia Hyatt (0000-0003-2322-7817, Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Vic. Australia), Ruby Lipson‐Smith (0000-0002-1702-8144, Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Vic. Australia), Paul Schofield (0000-0001-9495-9543, Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Vic. Australia), Penelope Schofield, Karla Gough (0000-0003-2819-4217, Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Vic. Australia), Ming Sze (School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia), Lynley Aldridge (School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia), David Goldstein (0000-0001-6142-3291, UNSW Sydney), Michael Jefford (0000-0002-8792-7807, Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Vic. Australia), Melanie L Bell (0000-0003-4821-4094, Psycho‐Oncology Cooperative Research Group University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia), Phyllis Butow (0000-0003-3562-6954, School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume20
Issue5
Pages886-895
Publication date2017-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.12529
PMID28261937
OpenAlexW2593361552
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited41

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the difficulties faced by different migrant groups is vital to address disparities and inform targeted health-care service delivery. Migrant oncology patients experience increased morbidity, mortality and psychological distress, with this tentatively linked to language and communication difficulties. The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the communication barriers and challenges experienced by Arabic, Greek and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) speaking oncology patients in Australia. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design using patient-reported outcome survey data from migrant and English-speaking Australian-born patients with cancer. Patients were recruited through oncology clinics and Australian state cancer registries. Data were collected regarding patient clinical and demographic characteristics and health-care and communication experiences. Data from the clinics and registries were combined for analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between migrant groups in demographic characteristics, communication and health-care experiences, and information and care preferences. Chinese patients cited problems with understanding medical information, the Australian health-care system, and communicating with their health-care team. Conversely, Arabic- and Greek-speaking patients reported higher understanding of the health-care system, and less communication difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings suggest that migrant groups differ from each other in their health communication expectations and requirements. Lower education and health literacy of some groups may play a role in poorer health outcomes. Public health interventions and assistance provided to migrants should be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of that language or cultural group. Future research directions are discussed

Exploratory research · Family medicine · Health care · Health communication · Health literacy · Language barrier · Psychological intervention · Cancer survivorship and care · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Nursing · Psychology

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