Objective information that can be detected by a person other than the affected person is signs.
A sign is a physical indication of a disease or condition that can be observed by others, such as a rash, a fever, or a limp. This information can be objectively observed, measured and recorded by a healthcare professional, whereas symptoms are feelings, sensations or experiences that are reported by the affected person.
Patients from different cultures may not be familiar with the medical examination and what to expect. This refers to how patients from different cultural backgrounds may have different beliefs, practices and customs that can affect their experience during the medical examination. This can also affect how they understand and interpret the medical information, and how they communicate their symptoms to the healthcare professional.