ABSTRACT
KEY This station assesses your ability to understand the implication of cultural issues on the health of your patients, and to negotiate a course of action that satisfies both your agenda as a doctor and the patient’s religious/cultural needs. A basic knowledge of major religious and cultural practices is useful in this sort of communication, as it may allow you to find a solution that will be acceptable to both parties. For example, in the scenario opposite, you could mention to the ‘patient’ that exceptions on medical grounds are permitted whilst observing Ramadan, and suggest to her that she could discuss this further with a leader at her mosque. In general, encouraging the ‘patient’ to discuss the situation with someone from his/her cultural/religious group before coming back to talk to you proves to be a good solution.
