Overcoming language barriers in healthcare : a bilingual assessment tool
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Date
2004
Authors
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Publisher
Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing
Abstract
If non-English (Spanish) speaking patients present for care to a rural clinic where the only healthcare
providers available do not speak the patient’s language, the potential exists for substandard care and
healthcare errors. Providers in rural clinics should have available to them an effective and reliable tool
to be used for translating a non-English speaking patient’s health history into English.
The purpose of this research was to develop a tool which will translate a Spanish speaking patient’s
health history into English. Following a thorough review of existing literature on health history
assessment, language barriers in healthcare, translation theory, and assessment tools, a two-part
carbonless checkbox format health history assessment form was developed.
It was found throughout the duration of this project, that certain limitations exist when attempting to
bridge the language barrier. No one tool, with the exception of a provider who is fluent in the patient’s
language, can entirely solve the problem of language barriers in healthcare. Further study is needed to
hasten the development of additional adjuncts to aid in the provision of care to non-English speaking
patients.
These further studies and tools will be an invaluable resource to the healthcare industry within the
United States.