Report: Panel Discussion on Healthcare in a Multicultural Era
In the afternoon of November 16, 2024, a panel discussion titled “Healthcare in a Multicultural Era: Enhancing Skills for Treating Foreign Patients” was hosted by the Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health. The event took place both online via ZOOM and onsite at Kyoto University Medical Campus. Approximately 40 participants, including students, faculty members, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders, attended the session. This panel discussion was held as part of the Toyota Foundation’s grant project on “Acceptance of Foreign Talent and Japanese Society.”
Highlights of the Panel Discussion
- Opening Remarks: “What is Healthcare in a Multicultural Era?”
Dr. Ayako Kohno from the Department of Health Informatics at Kyoto University School of Public Health introduced the purpose of the panel discussion. She emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in Japan’s evolving healthcare environment and expressed that this discussion would pave the way for improvements in the medical field. - Greetings from the Toyota Foundation Representative
A representative from the Toyota Foundation pointed out that improving healthcare services for foreign patients strengthens the entire system, benefiting Japanese patients and paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient medical framework in Japan. - Video Screening: “Experiences of Foreign Patients with Healthcare in Japan”
A video featuring interviews with four foreign patients (two from India, one from Iran, and one from Vietnam) was presented. The patients shared their experiences and challenges when accessing Japanese healthcare services, offering insights into areas needing improvement. - Presentations
Several speakers with diverse expertise delivered presentations on key issues: - Panel Discussion
The event concluded with a panel discussion involving all speakers. Topics included improving health literacy, fostering a proactive attitude among healthcare providers to overcome language barriers, and establishing systems to address the diverse needs of foreign patients in pharmacies, etc. The discussion highlighted both challenges and practical solutions for creating a more inclusive healthcare environment in a multicultural society.
“Challenges in Providing Healthcare for Muslim Patients”
Dr. Ayako Kohno, Kyoto University School of Public Health
Dr. Kohno highlighted challenges faced by Muslim patients in Japan, including their desire for treatments aligned with Islamic principles, confusion about the Japanese medical system, lack of knowledge about accessing emergency services, reliance on support from fellow community members rather than Japanese sources, and language barriers.
“Issues Faced by Foreign Muslim Residents When Visiting Medical Institutions”
Mr. Zufri Hadi, Consul for Economic Affairs, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Osaka
Mr. Zufri discussed the challenges foreign Muslim residents face, such as the lack of halal-certified medical services, the absence of halal-certified medicines and vaccines, language barriers, gender-related concerns, insufficient prayer spaces, and flexibilities during emergency situations according to Islamic Law. He also suggested that obtaining halal certification could be an effective strategy for hospitals to differentiate themselves and improve patient care.
“Mental Health of Vietnamese Residents in Japan and Support Initiatives Using an Application”
Dr. Masashi Yamashita, Kobe City College of Nursing
Dr. Yamashita emphasized the importance of comprehensive support for Vietnamese residents, highlighting efforts to secure employment, provide counseling, address economic and social vulnerabilities, and improve healthcare access during pandemics and disasters. He also discussed the use of ICT strategies to combat loneliness, with a focus on building support systems through the “Kobe Cứu” application, a key initiative he is currently implementing.
“Experiences as a Medical Interpreter for Vietnamese Patients”
Ms. Duong Cam Nhung, Professional Degree Program Student, Kyoto University School of Public Health
Ms. Nhung shared her experiences as a medical interpreter, highlighting the general characteristics and health behaviors of Vietnamese residents in Japan, as well as challenges such as rejection due to language barriers, difficulties in communication due to cultural differences, and dissatisfaction and anxiety about the healthcare system.
“Healthcare in Japan and India: Perspectives from the Indian Community in Japan”
Ms. Swati Mittal, Doctoral Student, Kyoto University School of Public Health
Ms. Mittal discussed differences in healthcare between Japan and India, focusing on dietary preferences during hospitalization, the use of yoga and meditation, the diversity of pharmaceuticals, traditional herbal medicine, diseases commonly affecting Indians, and illnesses rare in Japan but prevalent in India.
“Current Challenges in Pharmacy Services for Foreign Customers”
Prof. Hiroshi Okada, Wakayama Medical University
Prof. Okada identified challenges in pharmacy services, such as communication and cultural barriers, difficulties explaining the healthcare system and over-the-counter drugs, and the use of multilingual signage and applications to improve accessibility and maintain quality despite limited resources.
“Initiatives to Improve Accessibility in Pharmacies for Foreign Customers”
Dr. Shota Suzuki, Wakayama Medical University
Dr. Suzuki presented strategies for improving pharmacy accessibility for foreign residents, including developing multilingual apps like “Omotenashi” and promoting cultural competence education in the pharmaceutical field.
“Healthcare in a Multicultural Era: Perspectives from Healthcare Providers”
Prof. Takeo Nakayama, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
Prof. Nakayama emphasized the importance of cultural competence education as a strategy to address health disparities and inequalities in healthcare. He categorized challenges in healthcare into common issues for Japanese and foreign patients, issues unique to foreigners, language-related barriers, and areas requiring immediate and long-term solutions.