In view of the cultural diversity in German society today, the time has long since come when medical care must adjust to its new clientele. This article provides an overview for doctors, medical personnel and psychologists of approaches, backgrounds and networks of migration to Germany, in particular over the little known undocumented migration. This migration has steadily increased in recent years. The author deals with the circumstances which create psychological problems for migrants and what happens when migrants living in this shadow world fall ill. In addition, the article offers an agenda for interculturally competent action in caring for documented and undocumented migrants. Dimensions of cultural differences such as collectivism versus individualism (most of the countries of origin of these migrants in Germany with or without documents are collectivistic) are explained along with differences in styles of communication. The following styles with their impact in actual practice are analyzed: indirect versus direct communication; emotional control versus expressiveness; functionalism versus relationship orientation. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Intercultural differences Non-documented migration Communication between doctor and patient Intercultural competence

Forecasting Cultural Diversity Germany hospitalization Communication human medical personnel psychologist Professional-Patient Relations priority journal Cultural Competency Health Services Needs and Demand Mental Disorders human relation Humans Cross-Cultural Comparison Acculturation Review cultural factor emotion migration physician Transients and Migrants Delivery of Health Care medical care