The strong value in American medical practice placed on the disclosure of terminal illness conflicts with the cultural beliefs of many recent refugees and immigrants to the United States, who often consider frank disclosure inappropriate and insensitive. What a terminally ill person wants to hear and how it is told are embedded in culture. For Ethiopians, 'bad news' should be told to a family member or close friend of the patient who will divulge information to the patient at appropriate times and places and in a culturally approved and recognized manner. Being sensitive to patients' worldviews may reduce the frustration and conflict experienced by both refugees and American physicians.

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doctor patient relation Cultural Diversity Physician-Patient Relations refugee Case Studies Professional Patient Relationship terminal disease conflict human Refugees medical ethics priority journal Minors cancer medical practice United States family Cross-Cultural Comparison Adolescent male Clinical Approach/Source Truth Disclosure case report female International Aspects Females cultural factor Values Article Ethiopia Aliens adult Conflict (Psychology) Family Members Cultural Pluralism professional secrecy frustration Caring Paternalism Culture