In October 2024, the Global and Solidarity Citizenship Education teams from ULB Coopération, Eclosio, and Louvain Coopération launched the first edition of the training module ‘Intercultural Communication in the Medical Sector’ at the gynaecological clinic of the CHU Saint-Pierre. This pilot project marks a key milestone in the development of training programmes aimed at improving the quality of care in a multicultural context.

A Shared Observation

The idea for this module emerged following a discussion with a junior doctor at the gynaecological clinic, who had identified a gap in the training of healthcare professionals regarding the cultural diversity of patients. This need, far from being an isolated case, is corroborated by national data. In 2024, the Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities (UNIA) reported that over 12% of complaints in the healthcare sector concerned racial discrimination. This finding led to an in-depth study on racial inequalities in healthcare, highlighting the need for initiatives such as this module (source: UNIA, 2024).

Training Objectives

The module aims to address this gap by strengthening the intercultural communication skills of healthcare professionals at all levels, whilst raising their awareness of power dynamics such as racism, sexism and ableism. Participants are invited to explore power dynamics and intersectionality within a medical setting, taking into account both patients and relationships between colleagues.

Teaching Methodology

The course is structured around two main themes:

1. A theoretical foundation: Using the educational tool ‘Culturoscope’ (inspired by the book ‘Intelligence interculturelle’ by Michel Sauquet and Martin Vielajus), participants explore themes that are crucial to the intercultural medical sector. These include: attitudes towards the body, illness and death; gender dynamics; and attitudes towards authority and conflict.
2. A practical approach: The second part of the training is based on sharing experiences and analysing real-life cases using the Theatre of the Oppressed method. This interactive technique uses real-life case studies to reflect on conflict resolution practices and adopt strategies that respect cultural differences.

By combining theory and practice, the module offers insights, an openness to cultural diversity and practical tools for resolving sensitive situations.

Training for All Healthcare Professionals

Although the first edition was designed for the Saint-Pierre gynaecology clinic, the module is intended for the entire medical sector. It has generated keen interest from other specialities, paving the way for wider dissemination. Its flexibility, thanks to content enriched by participants’ experiences, allows it to be adapted to the specificities of different medical fields.

A Solidarity-Based and Intersectional Approach

This training is part of an active and critical approach, integrating decolonial, feminist and intersectional perspectives. It encourages in-depth reflection on the practical and ethical challenges encountered in clinical settings. In light of the alarming findings regarding inequalities in healthcare and driven by growing demand within the sector, we are convinced that intercultural communication will become an essential skill for healthcare professions.

With this module, we aim to complement traditional medical training by offering a human and supportive approach. By raising awareness of these issues among students and healthcare professionals, we hope to contribute to improving the quality of care and reducing inequalities, for a healthcare system that is more inclusive and respectful of diversity.