For this assignment, read the background information and then learn about Diane Mathis’ experience with non-English-speaking patients.
Read the Intro and the Case Story. Then listen to the Lecture.
Before you begin your paper, review the Critical Thinking Rubric linked below. Refer to it as you develop your paper. It will be used to assess and grade your paper.
In a 3-page paper:
- Compare and contrast the range of medical language interpretation and describe what is considered “best practice”.
- Consider and describe at least two scenarios in situations in which patients are non-English speaking and qualified language interpretation is not provided. What are the key ethical principles to be considered? What are the implications for the patient in each alternative?
- How would the scenario relate to your own health profession’s code of ethics? If you are not currently working in healthcare, you should use the code of ethics for the profession you plan to pursue upon graduation.
Assignment Expectations
– To earn full credit, review all required background materials and ensure that your paper meets these standards:
Review this Critical Thinking Rubric. Refer to it as you develop your paper. It will be used to assess your papers.
LENGTH: Your paper should be typed and double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12-point font, and meet the exact number of pages specified in the assignment instructions.
COVER PAGE: Copy the exact assignment onto your cover page (the actual questions or task).
REFERENCES: Cite your references in the text of all papers and on the reference list at the end. For examples, review the way the references are listed in the modules and on the background reading list.
PRECISION: Each question of the assignment is specifically addressed in the paper.
CLARITY: The paper reads clearly (i.e., it is not confusing) and is well-structured. Subheadings are used to guide the reader.
BREADTH: The paper presents appropriate breadth covering the questions of the assignment (multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered, as appropriate).
DEPTH: The paper presents points that lead to a deeper understanding of the matters and/or issues being discussed and integrates several points into coherent conclusions.
EVIDENCE: Statements and points are well-supported with facts or statistics, and references.
CRITICAL THINKING: Set aside personal biases and instead approach the subject matter using available scholarly evidence. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of competing arguments/perspectives on this topic. Having read these scholarly sources, make a judgment as to the merit of the arguments presented therein.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The ability to communicate effectively plays a critical role in ensuring effective healthcare delivery. However, language barriers can hinder communication between healthcare professionals and their patients. The use of medical language interpretation services has been adopted in the healthcare sector to mitigate these barriers. In this paper, we will compare and contrast the various medical language interpretation options available, describe situations where patients are non-English speaking, and qualified language interpretation is absent, and explore ethical considerations and implications of such a scenario.
1. Compare and contrast the range of medical language interpretation and describe what is considered “best practice”.
The range of medical interpretation services available includes in-person interpretation, video remote interpretation, and over-the-phone interpretation. In-person interpretation is where an interpreter is physically present with the healthcare professional and the patient. Video remote interpretation involves the use of internet or video technology to connect the healthcare professional, the patient, and an off-site interpreter. Over-the-phone interpretation is conducted over the phone. The best practice in medical interpretation is to choose the interpretation mode that is most appropriate for the patient’s needs in a particular clinical setting.
2. Consider and describe at least two scenarios in situations in which patients are non-English speaking, and qualified language interpretation is not provided. What are the key ethical principles to be considered? What are the implications for the patient in each alternative?
In situations where a non-English speaking patient does not have access to qualified language interpretation, the healthcare professional may rely on other communication methods, such as family members or friends who can speak the patient’s language. However, this approach may be inappropriate, as family members or friends may not have the proficiency to accurately interpret medical terminologies. The alternative of not providing any interpretation services may lead to a lack of understanding of the medical condition and treatment regimen, which may result in negative health outcomes for the patient. The key ethical principles to consider in such cases include beneficence, non-maleficence, and patient autonomy. The healthcare professional must ensure that the patient’s best interests are served while avoiding harm and maintaining the patient’s right to make informed decisions.
3. How would the scenario relate to your own health profession’s code of ethics? If you are not currently working in healthcare, you should use the code of ethics for the profession you plan to pursue upon graduation.
In my health profession’s code of ethics, ensuring effective communication with patients is a crucial element in providing quality healthcare. As such, healthcare professionals are required to ensure that patients have access to qualified language interpretation services. Denying patients interpretation services or relying on unqualified interpreters is a violation of the professional code of ethics, and healthcare professionals who engage in such behavior may face disciplinary action.
