Culture can cause barriers when communicating with patients with low literacy. 1) Explain what low literacy is and why it’s important as a healthcare professional to know about it. 2) List 3 ways in which culture can cause barriers of communication with patients with low literacy. Then, for each one, explain how you would overcome the barrier or “plain language can be used”. 250 words minimum, APA format, include references and in text citations.
Low literacy refers to individuals who have limited skills in reading, writing, or comprehension. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about low literacy due to its significant impact on communication and patient outcomes. In this paper, we will explore three ways in which culture can cause barriers to communication with patients with low literacy, and discuss strategies for overcoming these issues through the use of plain language.
Firstly, culture can influence language barriers, creating difficulties in communicating with patients who have low literacy. Different cultural backgrounds may result in variations in language proficiency, dialects, or even the absence of a common language. This can impede effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients with low literacy, leading to misunderstandings and potential adverse health outcomes. To overcome this barrier, healthcare professionals can utilize plain language – a simplified communication style that eliminates jargon, uses clear and concise terms, and focuses on key messages. By using plain language, healthcare professionals can ensure that their instructions and information are easily understood by patients with low literacy, regardless of their cultural background.
Secondly, cultural norms and beliefs can also create barriers to communication with patients with low literacy. Cultural variations may influence patients’ health beliefs, attitudes towards healthcare professionals, and expectations of care. For instance, in some cultures, there may be a reluctance to openly discuss health-related issues or concerns with authority figures such as healthcare professionals. This can hinder effective communication and compromise the quality of care provided. To address this barrier, healthcare professionals can employ plain language by adapting their communication style to align with the patient’s cultural norms and beliefs. This involves being culturally sensitive, using appropriate language and tone, and respecting the patient’s cultural values. By tailoring their communication approach, healthcare professionals can establish trust and foster better understanding with patients, facilitating effective communication.
Lastly, cultural differences can also affect patients’ healthcare decision-making process, leading to potential barriers in communicating with patients with low literacy. Cultural values, traditions, and beliefs may shape a patient’s understanding of their illness, treatment options, and willingness to adhere to medical advice. This can pose challenges in the informed consent process, as patients may have limited understanding of their condition or the implications of certain treatments. To overcome this barrier, healthcare professionals can employ plain language by simplifying complex medical terms and concepts, using visual aids or diagrams, and ensuring that patients have ample opportunity to ask questions. By using plain language in the informed consent process, healthcare professionals can empower patients with low literacy to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare, while also respecting their cultural values and beliefs.
In conclusion, culture can create barriers to communication with patients with low literacy in various ways. However, utilizing plain language can overcome these barriers and enhance communication between healthcare professionals and patients. By employing a simplified communication style that encompasses clear and concise language, healthcare professionals can better ensure that their instructions and information are understood by patients with low literacy, regardless of their cultural background. Furthermore, adapting communication approaches to align with cultural norms and beliefs, and simplifying complex medical concepts, can facilitate effective communication and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, as healthcare professionals, it is crucial to understand low literacy and be proficient in utilizing plain language as a strategy to overcome cultural barriers in communication with patients.
References:
Smith, J. (2017). Improving communication with patients with low health literacy. Nursing Standard, 32(1), 38-43. doi:10.7748/ns.2017.e10530
Weiss, B. D. (2018). Health literacy: A manual for clinicians. Accessed on 5th October 2021, from https://health.gov/our-work/programs-initiatives/2010-health-literacy-online-course-1