Find out how language barriers can impact various aspects of private and NHS healthcare in the UK.
Various studies have been conducted on the impacts of language barriers in the UK and how they impact healthcare. Healthcare is such an integral part of any country, particularly one with a primarily free healthcare system available to all and so, it makes sense that various investigations should be done into any language issues to try and improve the various problems that arise when anybody entitled to healthcare in the UK finds communication related to language an issue.
One selection of studies that was completed found the following problems related to language barriers within healthcare across various countries, including the UK:
- Miscommunication between medical professional and patient
- Reduced satisfaction of the both parties in the healthcare outcome
- Reduced overall outcome of the healthcare services
Interestingly this set of studies found that the use of interpreters was seen to increase the overall cost and length of treatment visits, but the use of general online translation services actively increased the satisfaction of both patients and medical providers by a massive 92%.
Another study showed that healthcare workers in the UK can potentially lose up to half a working day every single week because of language barriers. A fifth of those spoken to as part of the study said they have faced language barriers not only when helping patients, but when speaking with colleagues too, sometimes as often as every working day.
This is just a small insight into how foreign language barriers can impact healthcare in the UK. Patients may struggle to gain access to healthcare, and feel isolated, frustrated and lonely when accessing health services that they are entitled to. Healthcare providers may struggle to accurately diagnose a patient and offer the best possible advice and treatment. They may also lose precious time trying to communicate with the patient, which can result in further delays and lower standards of care across their healthcare setting.
So, What’s The Solution?
Solving the issue of language barriers within healthcare in the UK is complex and far-reaching. However, there are some primary areas of change that come up regularly in various studies and feedback from patients and healthcare providers experiencing language barrier issues.
One key focus is interpreters, who tend to be difficult to source for healthcare needs. You can speak to an interpreter via 111, and you can book an interpreter for your appointment. However, this can be expensive for the NHS, and the logistics of bringing them into a healthcare setting, even digitally, can be really tricky. It can often mean that a patient has to wait much longer to get an appointment, and overall it can extend the full treatment time far beyond the current lengthy waiting times that are occurring at the moment.
It has also been mentioned within healthcare interviews, that healthcare providers can find it challenging to ensure interpreters themselves correctly receive the information being given, and may pass on incorrect advice to the patient.
As we mentioned above, online translation services have been helpful with foreign language communication, but these kinds of services can only go so far.
Some great ways to enhance foreign language communication within healthcare are:
- Accurate translation of websites and online services, offering patients a wide range of different language versions of the text and information on offer
- Foreign language voice overs, subtitles and signage across digital healthcare platforms and physical healthcare settings
- Professional translation of leaflets, letters and aftercare
Whilst it’s going to be a lengthy journey to get language barriers actively tackled within an increasingly diverse society in the UK, the result is better healthcare for everyone, and a raised ability of professionals to provide exceptional healthcare within this vital field of care.
