Talking to migrant children and adolescents with cancer: development of a multimodal skills training in migrant-sensitive communication for paediatric oncologists

Overview

Migrant children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer experience communication deficits stemming from medical provider uncertainty in intercultural clinical encounters. This research addresses the need for structured communication training programs targeting paediatric oncologists to improve their capacity for migrant-sensitive interactions and reduce barriers to effective clinical communication.

Methods and approach

The study involved the development of a multimodal skills training program in migrant-sensitive communication designed for paediatric oncologists. The training incorporated multiple modalities to address both technical communication competencies and attitudinal dimensions necessary for managing intercultural medical encounters with migrant populations.

Key Findings

The multimodal training program was developed to equip paediatric oncologists with competencies for navigating communication challenges inherent in treating migrant children with cancer. The program addresses both systemic communication barriers and provider-level factors contributing to intercultural miscommunication in oncological care settings.

Implications

Structured communication training integrated into specialised medical education represents an evidence-based approach to reducing disparities in care delivery for migrant populations with serious illness. Implementation of migrant-sensitive communication curricula within paediatric oncology training may improve clinical outcomes and quality of care delivery across culturally diverse patient populations. The identification of communication deficits as a modifiable factor through targeted training supports the development of institutional approaches to addressing healthcare inequities.