FROM CULTURAL AWARENESS TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE: IMPROVING DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS IN MULTICULTURAL SOCIETIES
FROM CULTURAL AWARENESS TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE: IMPROVING DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS IN MULTICULTURAL SOCIETIES

Summary/Abstract: The growing mobility of populations and the increasing multicultural character of modern societies have significantly transformed healthcare systems, making intercultural communication an essential component of medical practice. In this context, healthcare professionals are increasingly required to interact with patients whose linguistic backgrounds, cultural values, religious beliefs and perceptions of health and illness may differ considerably from their own. This article investigates the concepts of cultural awareness and cultural competence and examines their importance in preventing misunderstandings and improving communication in doctor-patient interactions. Furthermore, the article explores the role of non-verbal communication in clinical encounters, emphasizing the cultural variability of gestures, eye contact, personal space, and emotional expression.

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