Language barriers

When a medical practitioner and patient do not share a common language or culture, communication difficulties may compromise the patient's care, potentially resulting in worse health outcomes, especially among patients with complex or chronic medical problems.  In situations of stress and vulnerability, denying opportunities for patients to communicate in their preferred language places them at a personal disadvantage and may compromise their health chances

A source that is utilized in Canada to bridge language and cultural barriers are trained medical interpreters to provide on-site services.   Clinicians also call on other staff members from professional to secretarial to custodial staff who have no formal training in interpretation, or they get assistance from a family member or a companion of the patient.   

As mentioned a major problem with language barriers is patients getting the necessary medical care.  For instance, among old South Asian immigrants in the United States there is a under utilization of cancer screening.  Other reasons these immigrants were likely to not be screened for breast cancer were: not wanting to know if one had cancer, family not wanting the individual to get tested, embarrassment, fear of losing job, and not knowing where to get tested.  They were more likely to be screened if their family or friends encouraged it, or if their insurance paid for it.  There are also cultural aspects to look into when there are language barriers.

When it comes to workplace wellness facilitators and programmers need to go further in their efforts if they want their programs to be effective and want maximal participation.  For instance, when there are forms that need to be completed or information sheets they need to be translated into the languages in which the employees are literate in.   

References

Hornberger, J. Itakura, H., Wilson, S.R. (1997).  Bridging Language and Cultural Barriers Between Physicians and Patients. Public Health Reports, 112(5): 410-417.

American Association for Cancer Research . (2009). Building trust, increasing awareness among minorities.  

Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-02-12 12:44:46

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