Empathetic Communication and Care for Hospitalized Sub-Saharan RefugeePatients at the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center

Abstract

This research examines the perception of empathetic communication by
caregivers at the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center, as perceived by Sub-
Saharan refugee patients. The aim is to identify communication gaps, which
are often sources of conflict. A qualitative approach was adopted, including
six French-speaking Sub-Saharan refugee patients hospitalized for at least ten
days, as well as six resident doctors and six polyvalent nurses, to gain a holistic
view of these interactions.
Semi-structured interviews, conducted between May and September 2022,
reveal general patient satisfaction with the care and verbal communication,
perceived similarly across both caregiver profiles. However, patients express
dissatisfaction regarding the lack of eye contact, appropriate posture,
therapeutic closeness, and empathy, key elements for strengthening the
caregiver-patient relationship and reducing tensions that often lead to verbal
and non-verbal aggression. Caregivers attribute these gaps to staff shortages
and a heavy workload.
Keywords: empathic communication; empathy; the carer/patient
relationship; psychosocial care; sub-Saharan refugee patients.