Introduction
The language barrier has a significant effect on the quality of healthcare. It usually happens between providers and patients when the two groups of individuals fail to share a first language. Irrespective of such a situation, it is still expected that healthcare professionals are needed to offer high-quality medical care that is adherent to the principles of human rights and equity to all their clients. Language barrier contributes to reduction in the satisfaction of medical facility staff and patients, in addition to affecting their communication. There is a case of a section of patients complaining about how medical education is shared with them by medical assistants. Since English is not a native language for most of the former, it is thus important for healthcare providers at the office to learn five effective techniques discussed below.
Use the Patient’s Native Language
A medical assistant using a patient’s native language aids in reducing the language barrier by ensuring that both parties can effectively comprehend each other, resulting in improved communication and satisfaction. According to Al Shamsi et al. (2020), it “minimizes risk of errors and misunderstandings,” especially in medical settings. This allows clear communication, which is crucial for reaching informed decisions (Al Shamsi et al., 2020). For example, a medical assistant can choose to give instructions using Spanish language when addressing a Hispanic patient.
Language Interpretation
A medical assistant finding a language interpreter would help to reduce the language barrier by facilitating effective communication between parties who speak various languages. This would serve as a bridge between the client and provider, translating words and ensuring that they correctly understand each other (Al Shamsi et al., 2020). Accurately sharing information makes it easier for a patient to comprehend the education offered to them. For example, a provider can communicate a piece of information while an interpreter uses simpler words that could be understood by the patient to ensure the latter understands.
Use Gestures and Visual Aids
Using gestures and visual aids would improve communication between a medical assistant and patient since it would reduce language barriers since they can convey meaning without the use of spoken language. The nonverbal cues help to clarify meaning, stress key points, and offer context, which would make it easier for people communicating in several languages to understand one another (Al Shamsi et al., 2020). Visual aids would supplement language, providing a representation of data that can be comprehended. For example, providing pictures or videos explaining concepts in medical education would allow patients to better understand.
Repeat and Rephrase Information
Repeating as well as rephrasing information aids in reducing language barriers since it ensures that every party has a clear understanding of the data being communicated. On the one hand, when education being given to patients is repeated, it reinforces the message, which makes it easier to remember and comprehend (Huot et al., 2019). On the other hand, rephrasing information is concerned with rewording or summarizing the data in a different manner. This would help to clarify the meaning for those who may not have understood it the first time. An example is teaching about a particular topic and then repeating and rephrasing in the presence of a patient.
Write Important Information
A medical assistant writing key information on a piece of paper aids in reducing language barriers by offering a permanent record of the education being conveyed. When a patient who is not a native English speaker reads, it becomes easier for them to understand compared to trying to listen and differentiate between English or American accents (Huot et al., 2019). Additionally, written information can be translated into other languages, which betters communication and comprehension. For example, noting on papers points about medical concepts to be shared with patients.
Closing Statement
The language barrier can negatively impact quality healthcare delivery from medical staff to patients. To remove the limitation, it is essential that professionals working directly with clients in a hospital setting consider techniques such as using the patient’s native language, employing visual aids and writing information on paper. Other methods include finding an interpreter, repeating and rephrasing information. In turn, this would ensure that the communication between clients and providers improves.
References
Al Shamsi, H., Almutairi, A. G., Al Mashrafi, S., & Al Kalbani, T. (2020). Implications of language barriers for healthcare: a systematic review. Oman medical journal, 35(2), 1-7. Web.
Huot, S., Ho, H., Ko, A., Lam, S., Tactay, P., MacLachlan, J., & Raanaas, R. K. (2019). Identifying barriers to healthcare delivery and access in the Circumpolar North: important insights for health professionals. International journal of circumpolar health, 78(1), 1571385. Web.