The LEARN model is a framework for cross-cultural communication that helps build mutual understanding and enhance patient care. It suggests a framework for Listening, Explaining, Acknowledging, Recommending, And Negotiating health information and instructions.
Listen: Assess each patient’s understanding of their health condition, its causes and potential treatments.
Explain: Convey your own perceptions of the health condition.
Acknowledge: Respectfully acknowledge and discuss differences and similarities between their views and your own.
Recommend: Suggest a treatment plan to the patient and their family.
Negotiate: Reach an agreement on the treatment plan in partnership with the patient and family, incorporating culturally relevant approaches that fit with the patient’s perceptions of health and healing.
Additional Resources:
• Ladha T, Zubairi M, Hunter A, Audcent T, Johnstone J. Cross-cultural communication: Tools for working with families and children. Paediatr Child Health. 2018 Feb;23(1):66-69. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxx126. Epub 2018 Feb 15. PMID: 29479280; PMCID: PMC5815116.