When providing essential medical information to patients we must take proper measures to make sure
we are doing so in the patients preferred language.
Proper steps to ensure proper communication can
greatly reduce possible medical malpractice cases.
When we face communication barriers with a
patient, specifically a language barrier, we must provide a professional translator. To ensure that all
patients are receiving proper translation services, we may use the interpretation service that can be
offered in person, over the phone, or by videochat.
One issue that could arise when dealing with a
language barrier without a translator is that a provider will not be accurately understanding patient
concerns or symptoms. (Lawrence, 2005) Additionally, we may not use patient family members or non-
translator staff.
For instance, a Spanish speaking woman presents in the ED with complications with her
pregnancy and she has been accompanied by her 7-year-old daughter.
It would not be appropriate to
translate questions or medical information through her daughter. (Lawrence, 2005) If her child were to
be used as a translator there could be confusion and many miscommunications.
It is also important to
use a licensed translator for obtaining medical consent from patients.
A patient who is able to have a
translator will be a more informed patient and will be able to give proper consent to any medical
procedures.
Whereas a patient who did not have a translator may not understand the procedure they
are about to receive. As medical professionals we must ensure that we have the patient's best interests
in mind, and one way to accomplish this is to bridge the gap we can face from patient to provider
language barriers.