Language and cultural discordance means that a physician and patient do not speak the same language or are not from the same cultural background. This study looks at why this matters in care provided to patients and their families the end of life. We interviewed 16 palliative care doctors across Ontario to ask about their experience providing language and/or culturally discordant care. We found that there are: 1) Communication challenges when mediated by professional and family interpreters; 2) Care challenges related to developing patient-centered goals of care and providing access to timely EoL care; 3) Cultural navigation especially during difficult conversations around death and understanding patient preferences; and 4) Ways to cope through physician interpersonal skills and suggestions for systemic resources in language/culture. Our findings will help improve care for people from minority groups.
Recruitment to platform at one of the hubs
Consent and enrolment in platform
Collection of key data, minimizing participant burden for individual trials
Screening automatically for all trials taking place on the platform, maximizing options for patients and caregivers
Trials – patients and caregivers participate in trials they are eligible for
Ongoing check-ins – patients and caregivers are followed until they choose to stop participating or until patient death
Bereavement – we follow caregivers for up to three years and offer them bereavement interventions
By linking practice and research, the platform will improve care for patients and families affected by advanced cancer.
Practice
Clinicians, patients, and caregivers identify areas for improvement in care.
PCPCRC
Supports foundational research that identifies promising interventions.
Research Platform
Comprised of Phase 3 RCTs, Research Hubs, Data Strategy.
Evaluation of hub model and data strategy to optimize research.
Training and mentorship underlie and uphold all activities in the cycle.