Cultural Humility in Chronic Condition Management: Physician Perspectives from Houston’s Culturally Diverse Communities

Background Chronic disease management for immigrant and refugee populations presents unique challenges influenced by cultural and socioeconomic factors. This study explored physician perceptions of chronic condition management for these populations, with a focus on cultural humility. Methods This qualitative study utilized purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with physicians that serve culturally diverse communities. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely between January and April 2024. Cultural humility was defined during interviews. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate conversation transcripts. Data was coded collaboratively, and quality assurance was done through cross-validation by multiple team members. Results Participants included 16 physicians that worked with immigrant and refugee communities. These physicians practiced in the specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. Participants had favorable views of cultural humility as integral to providing healthcare to immigrants and refugees, even if unfamiliar with the concept. Physicians thought that training on this was not adequate and required approaches with modeling, hands-on experience, and feedback. Clinical exposure to diverse populations and interdisciplinary teamwork assisted respondents to understand impacts of cultural and socioeconomic factors on health. Strategies to improve care included patient engagement, integrated care models, and continuing education focused on immigrant and refugee needs. Conclusions Many barriers exist to providing quality healthcare in the family care setting regarding immigrant and refugee communities. However, enhanced medical training, interdisciplinary support, and tailored strategies to empower clinicians are needed to effectively address their unique needs.