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Healthcare Communication Challenges in a Diverse Community
According to a survey conducted in 1997 by the Census Bureau, one in 10 persons in the United States are foreign born (Beckley, 2002). This expanding population of minorities in our communities is creating a new awareness in the healthcare industry about the need for effective communication. The DK Oxford Illustrated Dictionary defines the word communication as, “The act of imparting; a means of connecting in different places; transmit or pass on by speaking or writing; evoking understanding” (2002). ... The movie portrays a low class, black family facing a catastrophic healthcare illness. ... This agonizing scenario is duplicated within many minority circles today and the major challenge seems to be communication. Encounters, where communication difficulties arise between healthcare providers and patients, are everyday occurrences. ... The quality of communication between healthcare providers and their patients directly affects the level of care that is provided (Wood, 2002). Major communication problems exist between minorities and the doctors who treat them. American doctors experience problems with intercultural communication when treating patients. The physically challenged or hearing impaired also experience communication obstacles when seeking healthcare. In addition, unequal access by minorities and special groups to healthcare information is a growing problem. These debated issues are causing the government and private healthcare institutions alike to try and find solutions to breaking down the barriers communication difficulties cause. The changing dynamics of our communities, due to growing ethnic and racial diversity, have increased the communication challenges faced by both healthcare providers and the minorities seeking effective medical care.
The communication obstacles facing minorities seeking medical care are tremendous when they have limited English proficiency or LEP. The communication barriers LEP creates can impair a patient’s ability to obtain and receive adequate healthcare, making the experience very unpleasant, besides creating additional stress for everyone involved. Simple tasks that most of us take for granted, like locating healthcare facilities, understanding directions, and arriving at scheduled appointments on time, can all become roadblocks to becoming and staying healthy. ... Ira SenGupta, lead trainer and program manager at the Cross Cultural Health Care Program in Seattle says, “Communication is the most important diagnostic tool a physician has” (Beckley, 2002). Communication is essential in the doctor-patient relationship and an integral part of any diagnosis and treatment.
Communication difficulties also occur between physician and patient because of language barriers (Woloshin, Bickell, Schwarts, Gany &, Welch, 1995). ...
Another group facing the challenges of a diverse culture is the American doctor. ...
The American healthcare systems’ inability to provide equal health care to all has caused many problems for doctors when working with minority patients. ...
Similarly, The physically challenged have had many major challenges in receiving medical care of all types. The communication gaps experienced by “special” individuals when using verbal and non-verbal language can make it difficult for locating the appropriate care and facilities. ... Oftentimes, patients need long term or chronic care and they are misplaced or lost in the system due to communication issues. A young person with a disability that affects their ability to communicate is not able to properly convey their problems to parents, guardians, nurses or healthcare providers. ... Many obstacles exist as healthcare providers try to understand the physically challenged patient. ... More doctors are now relying on new devices that are helpful to most of their patients with communication problems. (See chart 1-2) Below is an example of the effectiveness of computerized aides used for the nonverbal communication. ... These devices used by nurses, caregivers, parents and guardians are helping to break down most of the communication barriers that exist. ... Due to miscommunication between patients and healthcare providers, many often withdraw from prescribed medications or therapeutic care. The communication barrier has caused many problems such as serious illnesses, misdiagnosis or even an unfortunate death. ... With technology advances in the area of communication devices, the healthcare providers are helping to aid the disabled to seek better care for themselves.
Of equal importance, unequal access to healthcare information is causing concern.
Special groups, including minorities, face a far greater and more difficult task in seeking out and accessing healthcare information based on their income level. ... Due to the advances in technology and the Internet there is a tremendous amount of healthcare information available online. ... There are a number of healthcare hotlines and organizations available that provide a wealth of information on various healthcare issues, however they require that you dial a toll free number for access. ... Some medical emergencies require a layperson to act as a healthcare provider, administering CPR or First Aid to keep the patient alive until emergency medical technicians arrive. ... Therefore, accessing or understanding healthcare information or concepts becomes a nightmare and many simply do not try.
Approximate Word count = 3881
Approximate Pages = 15.5
(250 words per page double spaced)
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