Table 2 Categories of content of the focus-group transcripts

Goals and topics of training

Hits

 Background knowledge:

63

  Introduction into culture and health

8

  Range of patients’ and relatives’ expectations/perceptions

34

  Basic information for clinical practice

21

 Communication tools/techniques for patient-centred care:

48

  Investigating patient’s reality/projects/needs

16

  Handling inhibitions

6

  Interpreting forms of cultural expressions

4

  Managing tensions between patient and health care system

4

  Establishing rapport

2

  Displaying commitment in communication

2

  Embracing a human attitude (savoir-être)

2

  Overcoming language barriers

2

  Listening

1

  Negotiating institutional rules

1

  Managing non-verbal communication

1

  Explaining palliative care to culturally diverse patients

1

 Collaboration:

10

  Interprofessional collaboration

3

  Collaboration with relatives

7

 Reflection on culture and values:

26

  Cultural diversity among clinicians

8

  Self-reflection (impact of clinicians’ own culture and stereotypes)

8

  Tensions that result from cultural difference

6

Organization of the training system

Hits

 Integration of transcultural training into existing training programs

43

  Undergraduate education

14

  Postgraduate education

9

  Interprofessional continuing education

20

    In palliative care

16

    In cross-cultural care

4

 Intervention throughout the training curriculum

6

 Extensions beyond specialised palliative care

13

  Cross-cultural education for related medical fields

8

  Introduction on palliative care for interpreters and experts in cross-cultural care

3

  Cross-cultural education for non-specialized palliative care

2

 Interprofessional training (e.g. Congresses, Symposia, Seminars)

14

 Differentiation of training according to disciplines

9

 Risks

8

  Clinicians’ lack of time for continuing education

4

  Low motivation because of lack of time spent with patients

2

  Overfilled palliative care curricula

1

  Overfilled undergraduate medical curricula

1

Teaching methods

Hits

 Face-to-face theoretical teaching (Lectures)

7

  Practical training

19

  Workshops with case discussions

6

  Role plays

6

  Immersive experiences

6

  Comparative approaches of two cultures

1

 Interprofessional work experience

4

  Coaching

17

  Supervisions, colloquia

11

  Mentoring

4

  Exemplarity

2

 Independent learning

2

  Training tools

5

  Toolbox (leaflets, catalogues)

2

  Platforms health and spirituality’

1

  Telecommunication tools

1

  E-learning platforms

1