Language barriers in communication

Language Barriers in Communication We are living in a different world today, and in that world is a very diverse culture. It is estimated 2 out of every 10 patients seeking medical care in a United States care facility may not speak English.

Options  Some nurses speak languages other than their native. If you or other staff can converse in the patient’s native language, that is an easy way of exchanging information.  The patient has a translator with them  Call in or Video translator In the event of the patient bringing their own translator, your human resource department may ask them to sign a hippa agreement to ensure privacy. There are services that offer translation for medical offices, and theses generally work very well. There are also some video services that offer the same; however, they are not as readily available as phone interpreters.

Related: Healthy Food & Drink Choices Importance of Understanding It is vital that there is clear communication with every patient, regardless of language barriers. If a patient speaks some English they may be able to communicate without translation. To ensure there is a clear understanding, use gestures, and point to body parts as reference. Engage the patient in the conversation, asking questions that require an answer, to be certain they understand. When asking about stomach issues, point to your own abdomen to ensure the patient is following the discussion, use whatever is needed to know they understand.

Medications One consideration when working with a patient that has a different language is the medication names. With so many medications available, it can be very confusing. Many medications have similar names, and yet entirely different functions. It would be easy to mix up what a patient is to take if they happen to have multiple drugs currently prescribed. You may have, at your disposal, literature that pertains to prescribed medications. This may be beneficial in explaining what is being prescribed to the patient, and why it is being prescribed.

Healthcare Differences For visitors from other countries, the American health care system may seem very different, depending on where they are from.

Related: Retiring Nurses Shortage Statistics  Hospitals in large cities are likely to have 4 patients per 24 hour period that speak little or no English  Patients from other countries are more likely to postpone getting medical help when not in their own country, which creates emergency situations when they do seek help.  Eight out of ten patients admitted to U.S. hospitals from other countries have no insurance. It is a law that hospitals provide life saving care, regardless of ability to pay.

Creating a trust factor with every patient is an important part of nursing.

When working in a hospital setting, the patient sees their nurse more than any care provider while hospitalized, and is more likely to share concerns with them. Patients that are facing some language barriers may turn to their nurse for clarification on questions, and instructions. It's important for patients to have that comfortable rapport with their nurse.

Patients may be in pain, scared, and not able to fully comprehend what is being discussed about their care, which is certain to make them very uncomfortable. Providing assurance of care may provide comfort, and of course the universal language of a smile can't hurt. It is vital that both the health care provider and patient have a clear understanding of any medical problems, and pertinent medical history information. Taking your time, and showing the patient that it is necessary to obtain all information should make the situation easier, and ensure the patient receives the best care possible.

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