AJMC March 2, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Language barriers in eye care clinics affect patient compliance, error rates, and satisfaction, with 1 in 15 people in the US having limited English proficiency.
- Medical interpreters improve patient outcomes, while relying on family members, especially children, for interpretation poses ethical concerns.
- Scheduling interpreter services, using visual aids, and leveraging technology like Google Translate can help overcome language barriers.
- Addressing nonverbal and elderly patients’ needs involves using communication boards, non-verbal cues, and considering social determinants of health.
- Empathy, body language, and caregiver involvement are essential for building trust and rapport, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes.
Effective communication, cultural competence, and patient advocacy are keys to overcoming language barriers in eye care, as highlighted in...