Table 4 The results of the content analysis of open-ended responses on concerns regarding patient care by foreign national physicians.
From: Examining Japanese laypeople’s nationality preferences for physicians: a nationwide study
Theme, N (%) | Sub-theme, N (%) | Exemplar quotes |
|---|---|---|
Language barriers, 723 (73.6) | Communication failure, 495 (50.4) | “I am concerned about whether they can understand Japanese sufficiently.” |
Inadequate Japanese language ability, 228 (23.2) | “Miscommunication arising from (inadequate) language ability.” | |
Cultural incompatibility, 140 (14.3) | Differences in sense of values, 38 (3.9) | “Difficulty in communicating patients’ needs due to differences in sense of values.” |
Lack of understanding of Japanese characteristics, 34 (3.5) | “How much can they understand the unique aspects of Japan and Japanese people?” | |
Differences in customs, 28 (2.9) | “I am concerned about whether they can adapt to Japanese customs.” | |
Cultural differences, 24 (2.4) | “I am concerned that cultural differences might hinder treatment.” | |
Concerns about whether they have the meticulousness unique to Japanese people, 12 (1.2) | “I am concerned about whether they lack meticulous consideration that is valued in Japanese culture.” | |
Lack of understanding of the Japanese healthcare system, 4 (0.4) | “(Lack of) understanding of Japanese healthcare system…” | |
Trustworthiness and safety, 108 (11.0) | Concerns about medical treatment abilities, 38 (3.9) | “I am concernd about their medical technique.” |
Overall concerns, 13 (1.3) | “Vague concerns.” | |
Concerns about attitude, 12 (1.2) | “(I am concerned about) too business-like approach during examinations.” | |
Concerns about care that takes mental health into consideration, 11 (1.1) | “(I am concerned about their) mental care for patients and their families.” | |
Concerns about trustworthiness, 11 (1.1) | “I am concerned about their trustworthiness.” | |
Differences in treatment methods, 10 (1.0) | “(I am concerned about) their belief that overseas methods are always correct.” | |
Concerns about racial discrimination, 5 (0.5) | “I am concerned about racial discrimination.” | |
Concerns about safety and security, 4 (0.4) | “Safety concerns.” | |
Concerns about professionalism, 3 (0.3) | “(I am concerned about) violations of regulations.” | |
Concerns about privacy, 1 (0.1) | “(I am concerned about) privacy.” | |
Others, 11 (1.1) | Others, 11 (1.1) | N/A |
