asked 5.3k views
2 votes
Make it possible for a patient and a provider who speak different languages to communicate.

1 Answer

7 votes

Answer:

Here's some tips

Step-by-step explanation:

Take-Home Points

Federal law and regulations require provision of language access for patients with limited English proficiency.

There is a high risk of error when communicating with patients with limited English proficiency without a qualified professional interpreter.

The choice of an in-person, telephonic, or video interpreter depends on the infrastructure and resource of the particular health care environment as well as the type of clinical encounter.

Technology can facilitate access to professional interpreter services, but how the technology is utilized determines whether the care of patients with limited English proficiency is improved.

Best practices for providers when working with a professional medical interpreter include talking in short units and pausing frequently to promote accuracy of interpretation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Principles

Avoid the use of patients' family members or friends as interpreters

Document use of a professional interpreter in the patient's medical record

Interpreted encounters may take longer but will save time in the long run

Specific Skills

Position yourself for maximum interaction with the patient

Address the patient directly

Watch the patient during the interpretation so you don't miss valuable medical clues

Avoid medical jargon

Speak in short units and keep a comfortable pace, allowing time for interpretation

Check in with the patient to make sure you are getting things right through the interpreter

Use teach back to make sure the patient is understanding you through the interpreter

answered
User DavidXYZ
by
7.8k points

No related questions found

Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.