A Multiple-Stakeholder Perspective of Patient–Provider Communication Among Families With Rare Diseases in Taiwan Through a Cross-Cultural Lens

Authors

  • Jinli Wu Georgetown University
  • Hsinyi Hsiao Department of Social Work, Tzu Chi University
  • Lei Chen Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Chun-Ying Weng Department of Pediatrics, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
  • Pao-Sheng Chang Office of International Affairs, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
  • Shao-Yin Chu Department of Pediatrics, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan

Keywords:

patient–provider communication, rare diseases, culture, focus group, qualitative research

Abstract

Using a cultural lens and engaging all stakeholders’ perspectives (e.g., patients, family caregivers, and health care and community providers), this study aimed to understand risk factors that hinder effective patient–provider communication (PPC) among families experiencing rare diseases in Taiwan. Findings from five focus group discussions with 40 participants recruited using purposive sampling suggest various risk factors related to effective PPC, including high regard for authority, face-saving communication, keeping harmonious relationships with providers, low socioeconomic status, patients’ and caregivers’ limited disease literacy, symptom-oriented communication habits, limited channels for timely PPC, discordant information from different sources, forgetting to keep daily records of the disease, and confusion about seeking specialists’ assistance. Families with rare diseases in Asian communities would benefit from culturally tailored services and educational programs to enhance their disease-specific health literacy, motivation, engagement, and communication skills. Structural barriers could be tackled by providing integrated care coordinating cross-departmental communication between medical and social services.

Author Biographies

Jinli Wu, Georgetown University

Doctoral student, Department of Psychology, Tzu Chi University

Hsinyi Hsiao, Department of Social Work, Tzu Chi University

Dr. Hsinyi HsiaoAssociate Professor, Department of Social WorkDean of International AffairsTzu Chi University886928198251

Lei Chen, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles

Doctoral student, Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of  California, Los Angeles

Chun-Ying Weng, Department of Pediatrics, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan

Genetic counselor, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital

Pao-Sheng Chang, Office of International Affairs, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Office of International Affairs, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Shao-Yin Chu, Department of Pediatrics, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan

Pediatrian, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital

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Published

2022-12-29

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Articles