Providing Healthcare Through Language and Cultural Barriers

According to a recent survey, over sixty million people in the US reported that they come from a non-English speaking home. Within that population, a significant percentage admitted to fluency concerns surrounding English. In other words, they don’t feel comfortable with their ability to speak or understand the language.

This is critical information for doctors and medical professionals to understand. There will always be language and cultural barriers, especially for doctors that specialize in outreach or work in diverse areas.

As medical professionals, we must find ways to provide healthcare through these barriers. It can sometimes feel challenging, but a foundation is already available for professionals to rely on.

The Significance of Interpreters

Our current health policies work hard to protect patient rights, including those who speak other languages. However, as a whole, these policies fail to incorporate all of the current concerns. This means they don’t address common issues. They likewise don’t provide the coverage necessary.

For example, interpreters can make a significant difference in patient care. When patients fully understand their condition – and the treatment necessary – they are less likely to face further challenges or repeat conditions. In other words, they are less likely to require return visits for the same concern. Likewise, patients feel more comfortable seeking care and asking for help when they know they will be understood.

Limitations in Policies

Unfortunately, many medical facilities do not provide adequate translation services. Part of the problem stems from limited funds or access to translating services. The other part of the problem is that these services are frequently undervalued, despite their proven effectiveness. This means they are the first thing cut when budget concerns arise.

If providing translation services was a requirement for all major facilities, with additional funding made available for that purpose, we would see an increase in patient care. After all, it is much more accessible for patients to receive care in a way that makes sense to them.

Another significant concern with linguistic policies is the lack of consistency or clarity. For example, a facility may hire an assistant or trainee with the understanding that they are bilingual. However, there are currently no guidelines in place for bilingual workers. This means there is no standardization, so a worker may not be as skilled in a language as they claim, providing patients with a poor interpreter explaining critical health concerns.

Communication Errors and Healthcare

Studies have shown that many medical mistakes and misunderstandings occur due to communication errors. This percentage increases when language barriers are in the mix. Since there is no easy fix for these issues, most facilities have failed to find creative solutions to meet their individual needs.

ABOUT JENN CHRISTINE

Jenn Christine is a Certified Medical Travel Professional and a bariatric medical travel expert based in Roseville, California. Jenn has obtained a variety of experiences during her years as a professional, including time in marketing, management, customer service, medical tourism program design, and bariatric medical consultation. She is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship, having founded more than one business venture. Yet entrepreneurship is only one part of the whole. Jenn Christine is an extremely compassionate person, consistently going out of her way to help the lives of those around her.

Currently, Jenn Christine is busy with two primary business ventures, Be Slim Bariatrics and CLR Pitch. Jenn is the CEO of Be Slim Bariatrics in Roseville, CA. Be Slim Bariatrics takes a more holistic approach to weight loss, with a passion for helping everyone along their weight loss journey. The team prides itself on transparency, meaning no hidden fees are waiting for patients after the fact. All Be Slim Bariatric surgeons are highly skilled and board-certified, with medical staff among the best in the field. Jenn’s company offers affordable weight loss surgery, helping people lose approximatel 70% of their excess weight through weight loss surgery

The second venture, CLR Pitch, is something that Jenn Christine has been involved with since 2009. She is the Owner and CEO. CLR Pitch, LLC, is an internet marketing company that provides brand management and inbound/outbound marketing. As the owner of CLR Pitch, Jenn is responsible for managing many critical business elements, such as marketing strategies, portfolio design, and conceptualizing strategic initiatives. She takes her role seriously, as managing branding for other companies is not a task to neglect. However, Jenn enjoys the challenge. Through this work, Jenn is able to ensure the success and growth of any company that approaches her.