Belgium: Intercultural mediation plays a crucial role in patient care [Interview]

Hans Verrept notes that in Belgium, the healthcare system functions less effectively for the immigrant population, which suffers from poorer health. In response to this situation of unequal access, since 2014, any hospital has been able to apply for funding to hire mediators. 120 mediators funded by the federal budget conduct 110,000 consultations per year. Intercultural mediation involves hospitals, medical centers, primary care physicians, and medical services at asylum seeker reception facilities. It promotes effective medical care by interpreting the patient’s nonverbal communication. It enables the patient to understand, exercise their free will, and make the most appropriate decisions regarding their health with full knowledge of the facts. The mediator gives meaning to the patient’s experience; they also help the patient overcome their sense of being in a minority position when facing healthcare providers. Intercultural mediation therefore goes far beyond simple interpretation.

Author(s): Soleymani Dagmar, Verrept Hans

Publishing year: 2022

Pages: 45-46

Health in Action, 2022, n° 460, p. 45-46

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