Week 6: Working with diverse patients

Question 1

Tips for communicating with cultural awareness

Answer 1

Maintain etiquette. Many cultures have specific etiquette around the way they communicate.
Avoid slang. 
Speak slowly. 
Keep it simple. 
Practice active listening. 
Take turns to talk. 
Write things down. 
Avoid closed questions

Question 2

What to consider when using a language translator?

Answer 2

Request interpreter similar age and gender
Decide before meeting what questions will be asked
Ideally, go over questions with the interpreter before
The interpreter may help with culturally appropriate questions
Try to learn a few phrases of the client’s language to use at the beginning or end of the consult
Schedule extra time
Look at and speak to the client
Speak clearly, in short units of speech
Ask 1 question at a time
Avoid slang, similes, metaphor, jargon
Listen carefully and watch for body language or change in expression
Expand on new issues rather than just following questions
Clarify… ‘did I understand you correctly that…
Check clients understanding and accuracy by repeating back
Be aware of the interpreter’s own cultural bias

Question 3

How to communicate with a hearing-impaired patent?

Answer 3

Face the hearing-impaired person directly
Do not talk from another room.
Speak clearly, slowly, distinctly, but naturally,
Say the person’s name before beginning a conversation.
Avoid talking too rapidly or using sentences that are too complex.
Keep your hands away from your face while talking.

Question 4

Mobility impairment

Answer 4

Treat mobility assistance devises as if they are part of the patients body
If patient in wheelchair, place yourself at their eye level
Only assist after person asks for help

Question 5

Speech difficulties

Answer 5

Things to consider:
Speech difficulties can be caused by various reasons
Hearing impairment
Cerebral palsy
Aphasia
Aphasia impairs the expression and understanding of language, as well as reading and writing, but not intelligence
Family members often need to be included in nutrition interventions
Focus on client
Speech path can review for guidance regarding communication options
picture cards, hand gestures, word cards

Communication tips
Make sure you have individual’s attention
Reduce background noise
Speak to the patient as an adult (not child)
Allow time to respond
Simplify sentence structure and rate of speaking
Focus on one message at a time
Do not finish patient’s statements
Don’t correct patient
Involve patient in decision making
Use gestures and visual aids
Use yes/ no questions or thumbs up/down

Question 6

Invisible disabilities

Answer 6

Not all disabilities are apparent
Mental health issues
Autism spectrum disorders
Fibromyalgia
Dexterity difficulties
Chronic conditions that cause disabling pain or fatigue
If the patient is behaving in a confusing way, inquire as to the reason for the behaviour
Ask them if there is anything you can do to provide additional comfort for their situation