Norske helsearbeidere i møte med kulturelle sykdomsforklaringer blant minoritetspasienter

Abstract

This is a master's thesis in the study of intercultural work, and it is based on a qualitative method. The aim of this study has been to research health workers' experience and handling of minority patients who have a cultural explanation for illness. The problem has been: How healthcare personnel experience encounters with minority patients who base cultural beliefs as explanations for the illness, and how these encounters are handled. To be able to answer the problem, interviews were conducted with seven healthcare workers within five different professions in the Norwegian healthcare system. Increasing cultural diversity and immigration in recent years have meant that the healthcare system has been faced with new challenges to a greater extent than before. Like the rest of the population, they get sick and need help from the healthcare system. The health service must provide equal health services to all groups in the population, regardless of background, faith and belonging. Although much is the same, some immigrants have a slightly different health situation and occurrence of diseases, but also an understanding of the cause of the disease. Several health workers report limited competence and uncertainty in providing good health care that is culturally sensitive. This can create mistrust between the patient and healthcare personnel. This study concludes that a mix of many barriers can arise that can prevent a patient with a minority background from receiving equal healthcare from the healthcare system. On a structural level, the two most prominent shortcomings are insufficient training in cultural competence, and too little use of qualified interpreters. By putting a stronger spotlight on these aspects, it can make a good contribution to developing a health service that is even more prepared to accept minority patients and provide them with equal and safe care.