Table 4 Experienced difficulties with own (setting-specific) competencies

Insufficient language competencies

Knowledge of everyday language

Knowledge of medical jargon and nomenclature

Knowledge of colloquial terms for medical issues

Written expression and use of grammar

Understanding dialects

Insufficient knowledge of the German healthcare system

The scope of own and co-worker’s responsibilities

Organization of healthcare outside of hospital setting

Legal requirements regarding treatment of patients and patient data

Care processes and technical equipment used within hospital

Insufficient clinical competencies

Clinical knowledge exceeding own specialist field

Experience with certain diagnostic/therapeutic techniques

Experience with treating certain medical conditions

Further necessary practical skills like taking blood

Insufficient cultural knowledge

Cultural and historical context as basis for psychotherapy

Cultural (implicit) rules of conduct like how to show emotions

Further competencies lacking

Knowledge of machines causing accidents as basis for surgical interventions

Handling own deficiencies/insecurities well

Adjusting to and accepting the new environment