The Gap Between Japanese Medical Professionals and Foreign Patients

摘要

The purpose of this study is to clarify the situations in which foreign patients and Japanese medical professionals face difficulties in the Japanese medical system. The authors also aim to find out the causes of difficulties from the viewpoints of foreign patients and Japanese medical professionals. Through our literature review, four major situations were extracted, namely, at receptions, at examination rooms, during treatment decision-making, and at inpatient units. In these situations, a total of eight difficulties were found: among them, seven were caused by gaps in perceptions between foreign patients and Japanese medical professionals. Foreign patients perceive that Japanese medical professionals perceive them in a certain way. At the same time, Japanese medical professionals perceive that each foreign patient possesses a unique cultural background. These create gaps and confusion. It is necessary to find strategies to solve this issue.