Navigating the US health system is difficult even for many English speakers. Language and cultural barriers add another layer of complexity.

Health literacy – or the lack of it – is a crucial issue facing medical establishments today. As we explained in a post last month, the inability to comprehend and act on health care information is costly for society.

Language barriers are not the only factors at play in the health literacy issue, but of course patients with limited English proficiency have a higher likelihood of facing communication difficulties in a medical setting.

A useful government fact sheet gives a quick overview of health literacy and explains the links between health literacy and language:

For many individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), the inability to communicate in English is the primary barrier to accessing health information and services. Health information for people with LEP needs to be communicated plainly in their primary language, using words and examples that make the information understandable.

This “Quick Guide to Health Literacy” also emphasizes how culture plays a role in medical interactions. In fact, one can even identify a “culture of medicine” that can confuse both native English speakers and LEP patients:

Healthcare professionals have their own culture and language. Many adopt the “culture of medicine” and the language of their specialty as a result of their training and work environment. This can affect how health professionals communicate with the public.

Clearly there are many elements that contribute to successful communication in health care settings. The patients’ language, culture, and general literacy factors come into play, but health professionals need to be aware of their own professional culture and the language that stems from it.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.