December 3rd, 2024

New Zealand's health system needs better cultural integration for foreign doctors, study says

University of Otago research highlights cultural challenges faced by international medical graduates in New Zealand.

Some doctors reported difficulties in interactions, particularly with Māori patients, noting the need to adjust communication styles.
Some doctors reported difficulties in interactions, particularly with Māori patients, noting the need to adjust communication styles.

A recent study by the University of Otago underscores the essential role of cultural integration in retaining international medical graduates (IMGs) in New Zealand's health system. Dr Mariska Mannes, the study's lead author, emphasised the critical need for better support systems to address the cultural and professional challenges faced by IMGs, which impact their performance and well-being, according to an Otago University media release.

Details: The research, published in BMC Medical Education, involved interviews with international specialists, registrars, and general practitioners from various continents who have been practising in New Zealand for between one and over ten years. These professionals report significant stress due to the necessity of adapting to different cultural expectations and communication styles.

  • What they're saying: "Many of them leave New Zealand jobs because they experience stress, loss of identity, or loss of confidence brought on by the struggle to adjust culturally," Dr Mannes explained. The study reveals that despite their expertise, international doctors often receive the message: 'You are in New Zealand now, do it our way,' which adds to their frustration and challenges in adapting.

Zoom in: Some doctors reported difficulties in interactions, particularly with Māori patients, noting the need to adjust communication styles. Efforts to learn phrases in te reo Māori, despite concerns about pronunciation, were appreciated, highlighting the nuances of cultural integration in medical practice.

  • Driving the news: The findings suggest that the absence of a robust cultural orientation and ongoing support not only leads to professional isolation but also affects the healthcare service's effectiveness. Professor Tim Wilkinson, co-author and Acting Dean of Otago Medical School, stressed that understanding and integrating a patient's cultural perspective is crucial in healthcare.

The bottom line: Dr Mannes recommends the implementation of a cultural mentoring programme, aimed at both orientation and ongoing education, to improve cultural integration and retention of IMGs. This approach, she argues, will not only support international doctors but also enhance the quality of healthcare available to the New Zealand population.