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  • 1.  Language barrier

    Posted 06-07-2024 16:02

    We have seen a slight uptick of patients not being comfortable with their care related to language barrier between nurse/MA and patient (mainly patients unable to understand the nurse/MA). Does any of your organizations have a program either embedded in your onboarding process or post onboarding assisting nurses with language barrier concerns?



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    Amanda Adkins MSN RN
    Program Manager for Quality and Safety
    IU Health
    Indianapolis IN
    (317)948-7088
    aadkins@iuhealth.org
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  • 2.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-08-2024 02:02
    This sounds like it may be a barrier of using an interpreter service to provide equitable care to all patients. If a nurse/MA would normally engage in conversation with a patient while bathing/toileting/turning etc they should also be using an interpreter service to do the same for patients with a language barrier. 

    It's important to provide early and consistent education about equity in care especially when it comes to language barriers. Most people find it inconvenient and skip the step and don't engage the patient but just do what they have to. Imagine being a patient in another country where you couldn't understand what the doctors/nurses/techs were saying. You would be uncomfortable, scared, and frustrated. Empathy is truly essential to this. 

    It also leads to many errors, malpractice lawsuits, and even deaths. https://healthlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Language-Access-and-Malpractice.pdf

    Google translate is not sufficient and will undoubtedly lead to an issue and likely class action lawsuit. 

    Best, 
    Amy
    Sent from my iPhone





  • 3.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-12-2024 20:42
    Hi Amanda,

    At my site, we use the Cyracom language line. It is used by all for anyone who needs it. Once a patient says “translator” and their language-we use it. Our front desk staff, nurses, MAs, MDs, NPs, etc. can access it. We also have iPads one stands that can be brought into the exam room to provide the same service. As the triage nurse, I typically used it for phone calls and my nurse visits. There are posters in the elevators and at each check-in desk to let patients know this service exists. Hope this helps.

    Nicole
    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-12-2024 20:45
    Sorry, I thought the patient had a language barrier.

    Nicole
    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-10-2024 08:26

    Hi Amanda, 

    Can you clarify who has the language barrier? Is it the clinician who is accented and cannot be understood by the patient? 



    ------------------------------
    Susanna Gadsby MSN, MBA, AMB-BC, NPD-BC
    Clinical Educator, Ambulatory
    AAACN Certified
    Nursing Professional Development Specialist
    susanna.m.gadsby@hitchcock.org
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-10-2024 09:24

    Susanna, 

    Yes, it is the clinician who is accented and cannot be understood. Thank you helping me clarify my ask. 

    Amanda



    ------------------------------
    Amanda Adkins MSN RN
    Program Manager for Quality and Safety
    IU Health
    Indianapolis IN
    (317)948-7088
    aadkins@iuhealth.org
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Language barrier

    Posted 06-10-2024 10:20
    Great clarification. My misunderstanding. We have a policy of non-discrimination based on any protected status.

    Our only exclusions are for religious law and prior sexual trauma. The patient however always has the right to change their clinician after a visit due to a concern related to communication, personality conflict, etc according to the patient bill of rights. I would encourage you to collect information regarding specific challenges so that you can possibly intervene requesting speech classes or intervention such as printing the med list for review as opposed to reading through it. Many times staff are not aware of perceptions as in other communication challenges like unconscious bias.

    Great question.

    Amy


    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


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