Monoplace Delivery System

Monthly Hyperbaric Safety Notice: June 2007

Patient Language Barriers

Background

Language barriers are a growing concern in the health care industry. As the population in the United States increases, the diversity of cultures will increase as well. Today in America, 13.8 percent of the population communicates by speaking a language other than English at home. Laws that protect against miscommunication are becoming more commonplace as the awareness of this issue grows throughout the country.

The Issue

Effective communication is “key” to providing safe and effective patient care. Without good communication patients are at risk of discrimination, inappropriate care, increased health care costs, and less effective treatment options. Language barriers include not only those who speak other languages, but also those who are deaf. We need, therefore, to have access to the appropriate tools when caring for these patients. Translators and phone communication systems are the newest form of communication for these patients. We should utilize all of our resources in order to optimize patient care and minimize legal exposure.

Bottom Line

With the diversity of nationalities within the US population changing, we can expect to see an increase in language issues in the hyperbaric setting. Many hyperbaric medicine programs have already cared for patients with another primary language or a patient who is deaf. Each employee should evaluate their units’ unique situation and determine the appropriate plan of action for treating such patients. Learn your hospitals polices and procedures. Most hospitals now have interpreters for multiple languages and signers for the deaf. Remember that a family member is not an interpreter. Make a phone list of important contact numbers for these type situations. Always be prepared.

Contributing Author: Dick Clarke, CHT

Dick Clarke Dick is President of National Baromedical Services, which he founded in 1986. His previous background included service in the British Royal Navy, diving instructor and underwater photographer, assistant director of the seabed habitat 'HydroLab' and several years in the offshore commercial diving industry. Dick heads the Baromedical Research Foundation where he serves as Principal Investigator for several international clinical trials. He is course director for 'Primary Training in Hyperbaric Medicine' and the 'HBO 2000' series of advanced hyperbaric symposia. Dick has been a NOAA Diving Medical Officer Training Course faculty member since 1983. He pioneered the Certification in Hyperbaric Technology (CHT) program, is a past president of the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology and remains active at the committee level within the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

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