Photo Credit: Ridofranz

The following is a summary of “Barriers and facilitators to culturally sensitive care in general practice: a reflexive thematic analysis,” published in the October 2024 issue of Primary Care by Vandecasteele et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to investigate barriers and facilitators for culturally sensitive care among general practitioners (GP) in Flanders. 

They conducted 21 in-depth interviews with Flemish GPs and used Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes that reveal underlying meanings and address challenges and strategies for cultural sensitivity in healthcare. 

The results showed 2 core themes: GPs’ uncertainty and opposition, linked to emotional responses like frustration and feelings of helplessness. Barriers included resource scarcity and limited intercultural contact, while facilitators were structural elements like interpreters and individual strategies. A meta-theme of perceived lack of control highlighted the importance of empowering GPs through improved intercultural communication skills. 

They addressed GPs’ uncertainties and oppositions, promoting culturally sensitive care through education, policy reforms, and financial incentives. These strategies were essential for advancing equitable healthcare practices and improving GP motivation. 

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02630-y