There is a significant need for IMGs to be educated in cultural issues including doctor-patient communication practices in Australia.
There is an increasing international movement of physicians, with substantial numbers of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) now seeking jobs outside the countries in which they were educated. For IMGs there are potential elements of crisis and loss associated with this transition. This article presents findings from Australian-based research which explores the IMGs' experience during entry to their chosen country and posits the need for a designated liaison officer to help support the transition. The research was based on thirty open-ended, qualitative interviews which were coded and thematically analyzed. The findings document factors associated with the decision to leave their country of origin, psycho-social aspects of stress experienced upon arrival in Australia, and the participants' perspective on the suggestion for the appointment of a hospitalbased liaison officer to assist IMGs during the transition process.
Issues associated with speech and language have been noted in the international literature as an important aspect of the process of integration for Australian International Medical Graduates (IMGs). This paper makes a contribution through the presentation of a sub-set of findings on the factors associated with speech and language practices for IMGs, taken from a qualitative study which examined the IMGs’ experience of integration into the Australian healthcare system. A purposive sample of 30 IMGs were interviewed via telephone. Participants were asked to share their experience with communicating in English with patients and other health professionals in the context of the Australian healthcare system. The taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and then coded and thematically analysed. The findings indicate that the months following the point of entry into a medical position are a critical time for the majority of IMGs in terms of difficulties with communicating in English. A range of suggestions to improve speech and language skills for IMGs is provided. The findings emphasize the importance of speech and language skills and the serious implications of this issue for the clinical practice of IMGs.
Objective Herein we record the experience of clinical supervisors of international medical graduates (IMGs) working as junior staff in a district hospital by examining supervisor perspectives on IMG performance, the factors affecting their performance and the requirements of supervision under these circumstances. Methods The present study had an open-ended exploratory qualitative design. Thirteen 13 open-ended, in-depth interviews were undertaken with supervisors of IMGs employed in a public district hospital in Queensland, Australia. Results The supervisors reported that, although performance was an individual and variable characteristic, IMGs tended to perform less well than Australian graduates and required more intensive supervision. Factors that affected performance were motivation and experience, and specifically lack of familiarity with the Australian healthcare system, lack of recent of practice, education, language, communication and cultural factors. English language proficiency was regarded as crucial to performance. Conclusions The additional work required to supervise IMGs in order to enable them to perform at a satisfactory level and successfully integrate into the Australian healthcare system needs to be recognised and resourced. Assistance with attaining proficiency in English and with communication skills over and above the standard required to pass the International English Language Testing System examination should be seriously considered as a means of improving performance. What is known about the topic? To date, there is little research available about the experience of supervisors of IMGs in Australia. What does this paper add? The findings of the present study make an important contribution to the literature by examining the critical role clinical supervisors of IMGs have in helping IMGs adapt to the Australian healthcare system and ensuring that they are able to provide quality health care. It identifies current challenges and highlights areas in need of attention to ensure a strong healthcare system for Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Supervisors of IMGs need recognition of the extra time and expertise required in their role if they are to be effectively supported in their endeavours to integrate IMGs into the Australian health workforce. More attention needs to be given to the development of English language proficiency of IMGs, including colloquial usage, and communication in medical practice.
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