Handling Language Barriers with Patients Language barriers can cause major complications, especially in a clinical setting where treating ailments is contingent upon good communication. Language Barriers are a part of our life It is easy to forget that we’re not only living in a multinational, but a multilingual world too. There are thousands of languages spoken around the globe. The main reason for this problem is that native speakers might not realize the language they are using is not the native language of the person whom they are speaking to. This obviously causes tremendous language barriers that need to be overwritten in order to properly treat the patient. No one can learn all the languages. Let’s discuss areas which may help you cover the gap when medically treating an individual of another language. Related: Top 10 Tips to Prepare Yourself on the Day of the NCLEX Importance of overcoming language barriers in a healthcare department Communicating with a patient who is not a native English speaker or who doesn’t know English at all, isn’t always easy, but it’s mandatory. If you fail to do so then it may be detrimental from both a clinical and legal setting. Research says approximately 47 million American inhabitants; speak a foreign language at home. So it is essential to overcome this problem, especially when dealing with a person’s health. Some troubles caused due to a Language barrier in hospitals You must have heard of this scenario in your medical career. Once an unconscious patient’s girlfriend failed to relate the actual problem to the paramedics. She used the word “intoxicado”. Due to which, they presumed that the patient a drug overdose. In actuality, the patient was nauseated. They treated the overdose, but two clots formed in his brain due to the nausea left untreated. Resulting in which the patient became quadriplegic. The paramedics had to award him a $71 million settlement, for the mistake that they had committed. Let’s discuss how to avoid such tragic conditions. Using an interpreter An interpreter is the right choice to prevent such tragedies. But sometimes trouble occurs due to interpreters too. They might not understand some medical terms, or can’t relate to the patient. In such cases, an interpreter who has knowledge of medical terms is an ideal choice. There might be some staff members who are bilingual; you may get their help to interpret. But make sure to keep giving them up to date on medical terminologies. This will help you get prevent catastrophe with a patient of a foreign language. Try to convince authorities to arrange an interpreter for such situations. There are several agencies that provide online interpreters, and you may benefit in this regard.
In an emergency, while there is no interpreter available, and the patient or their relative have some knowledge of English, and then you may relate the situation to them by using the following techniques. Related: Tips to Consider When Applying to Nursing School
Speak slowly and clearly Slow down your speech and use clear words with a perfect accent. Don’t rush through the interaction, even if you’re pressed for time. Ask for clarification Your profession doesn’t allow you to rely on guesses. If you haven’t understood the patient, ask them politely for clarification. Relying on probabilities may result in harmful situations. Repetition If you’re relaying something or listening to a patient, try to repeat everything in order to make sure that the message is clear. Avoid Idioms Using idioms and phrases in your regular conversations is fine, but try to avoid their use while you’re having a discussion with patients who doesn’t speak English, as subtleties of the language will likely be lost on them. Be careful with jargon Jargon with staff members may help you in a way, but using it with patients is a foolish. Try to avoid jargon and if you’ve used it, explain its meaning. Following the aforementioned steps will help you handle patients of other languages, as communication is key in treating people safely and properly.
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