Methods for Cross-Cultural Communication in Clinic Encounters

Successful cross-cultural communication is critical for adequate exchange of ideas with our patients. Our communities have become more diverse, and thus, the necessity has increased. The murder of George Floyd and other atrocities have sparked recognition of the need to address social injustice and racism and as we fight the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Allergist-immunologists are uniquely trained to explain the complex immunology of COVID-19 to patients, but they have less experience discussing issues of health equity. Here, we explore critical components of patient-provider communication: communicating with those for whom English is a second language, advising patients with limited health literacy, and understanding nonbiomedical views of health and wellness. Two barriers to communication are discussed: implicit bias and structural racism. Finally, we consider how the recent innovations in technology, the electronic health record including its patient portal and the use of telemedicine, have both impeded and improved communication. We offer suggestions as to what we could do to address these in our own local communities that would ensure better understanding and exchange of health information. This perspective grew out of an effort by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Committee on the Underserved to provide training in cross-cultural communication.