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Description
Background: Medical English education in Japan has traditionally focused on rapport-building and history-taking skills. However, there is little empirical evidence regarding whether these empathetic approaches meet the practical communication needs of foreign patients during the "explanation and planning" phase. This study aims to re-evaluate current curricula by analyzing the healthcare experiences of foreign residents in Japan.
Methods: An online survey was conducted from November to December 2025, targeting 302 foreign residents in Japan. The majority of respondents were working-age (45.7% aged 20–39; 40.4% aged 40–59). We used a 5-point Likert scale to measure satisfaction across various clinical domains and performed thematic analysis on qualitative feedback to identify specific barriers to communication.
Results: The data showed a clear gap between emotional support and informational clarity. While participants highly rated doctors for "Respect for culture and religion" (Mean: 4.08) and "Listening attitude" (Mean: 3.61), satisfaction with the "Clarity of English explanations" was significantly lower (Mean: 2.67; p < 0.001), making it the only domain in the dissatisfied range. Notably, although 55.1% of respondents used translation apps, 49.7% still expressed a direct need for "English-speaking doctors." Qualitative insights revealed that even when doctors were perceived as "kind," patients felt anxious due to medical jargon and a lack of clear information regarding treatment costs and diagnostic reasoning.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight a paradox: Japanese physicians are highly regarded for their empathy, yet patients still face a profound sense of "informational insecurity." This suggests that medical English education should go beyond teaching basic terms. It should prioritize "Plain English" strategies and the ability to discuss practical issues, such as medical fees. Our study demonstrates that direct verbal communication remains the foundation of patient trust, representing a human element that translation technology cannot fully replace.