Communication and language skills for IMGs
These multimedia resources have been developed to address the language and communication needs of international medical graduates (IMGs) working or seeking work in Australia.
Welcome
These multimedia resources have been developed to address the language and communication needs of international medical graduates (IMGs) working or seeking work in Australia.
This introductory video explains what these web pages are all about.
- In this site you can watch videos of doctor-patient interactions and explore some of the communication and language issues involved.
- There are a range of linked activities and explanations to help you develop appropriate language and communication skills for the Australian medical context.
The aim of this resource is to explore discussion of alcohol intake with a patient in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Background
Alcohol is a feature of the Australian lifestyle. People use alcohol for a range of reasons and in different social and cultural contexts. Most Australians drink alcohol at levels that have few adverse effects. However, any drinking increases the risk of ill-health and injury. The NHMRC website gives more information on safe levels drinking in the Australian context.
In medical consultations, therefore, it may be helpful to ask in detail about a person’s alcohol use. This may be a sensitive topic, as what an individual regards as socially acceptable may actually be beyond safe limits and lead to medical problems. Australians generally have a relaxed attitude to alcohol use, so it is important for the medical professional not to appear judgmental or impose views from a perspective the patient may not share.
Video
Watch this video of a doctor exploring a patient’s alcohol use, discussing the impact on his life, and suggesting safe patterns of drinking.
The aim of this resource is to explore discussion of mental health concerns with a patient in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Background
Depression is a serious illness, and one of the most common of all mental health problems. Around one million adults in Australia live with depression each year. One in five people experiences depression at some stage of their lives. Depression has serious effects on both physical and mental health, and can lead to risk-taking behaviours, substance abuse, and suicide.
Depression can often go undiagnosed, as patients may not identify their symptoms as relating to their mental health and therefore do not seek medical attention. Mental health can be stigmatised, causing people to feel shame and reject a diagnosis. Cultural differences can also affect people’s attitudes to depression and mental illness.
Video
Watch this video of a doctor exploring a patient’s mental health, and see how he redirects the discussion from the patient’s opening statement towards a tentative diagnosis of depression.
The aim of this resource is to explore discussion of issues related to sexual history and practice with a patient in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Background
Many people find it difficult to discuss details of intimate relationships, current or past sexual practices, and sexual orientation with someone they don’t know well, even if that person is their doctor. People can be reluctant to talk about instances of behaviour that they may subsequently feel embarrassed or anxious about. They might be unsure of the implications of their behaviour for their physical or emotional health; it could also affect their self-perception – challenging their beliefs about who they are. Discussion of sex is taboo for some people in some contexts, and there is a wide range of attitudes and beliefs on this topic in the general population, for example, about what appropriate sexual behaviour is.
Because of this diversity, doctors should take a non-judgemental stance and assure the patient of confidentiality. Doctors need to be aware of their own attitudes too – they may be similarly embarrassed and reluctant to start a potentially difficult conversation. Doctors must make sure their personal views don’t get in the way of paying full attention to the patient’s message; this will help them respond in the most appropriate way.
Video
Watch the video of a doctor taking a sexual history from a patient, and reflect on how this is accomplished effectively and in a non-judgemental way.
The aim of this resource is to explore the negotiation of a pain management plan with a patient.
Background
Back pain or back ache is a symptom that can have many causes. It is a common complaint in Australia. Many cases of back pain and sore backs are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Staying active is often a vital component in the treatment of back pain, yet people who are in pain may be reluctant to engage in physical activity.
Some people may be unrealistic about what doctors can do to help in situations like this, as often the treatment relies on the patient doing things that are inconvenient or uncomfortable. A patient may be hoping for a prescription or an operation to get rid of the pain but, if that is not indicated, it will be necessary to negotiate a new plan with the patient. It is important to do this in a way that increases the likelihood of the patient complying with the new plan. The best way to do this is to negotiate with the patient, rather than insist on a treatment plan that the patient has little interest in.
Video
Watch this video of a doctor exploring a patient’s history of back pain, discussing the impact on her life, and negotiating a management plan that differs from what the patient originally wanted.