Intercultural Dilemmas in Cancer Care: Perspectives From Family Caregivers of Immigrant Patients

Background: Immigrants with language barriers face significant challenges in communication with the healthcare system and often rely on family caregivers' interpretation. These challenges are intensified in critical treatment trajectories such as cancer. In this context, family caregiver interpretation may imply risks of patient safety due to the complex treatment information. Furthermore, the roles and dynamics between family members may be at stake due to the often critical and sensitive nature of the information. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore how family members, involved as informal interpreters for immigrant patients with cancer, experience their role throughout the cancer trajectory. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The participants were family caregivers related to immigrant patients with cancer and with limited Danish language proficiency and were recruited by a purposive sampling strategy to present a variety of experiences. The interview material was analysed and interpreted following Malterud's systematic text condensation with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Results: The analysis revealed three themes reflecting caregivers' experiences of the intercultural dilemmas of their supportive role: ‘Caught in a double role – Family caregiver and interpreter’, ‘Balancing patient's integrity and health-related needs’, and ‘Navigating the cultural gaps between the patient and the healthcare system’. Conclusion: This study highlights the intercultural challenges that arise when family caregivers act as interpreters for immigrant patients in critical treatment trajectories. These challenges have potential risks for both patients and family members which require attention from health professionals in clinical encounters. The study points at the need for improving support to family caregivers involved in the treatment trajectories of immigrant patients with language barriers.