scholarly journals need for alternative solutions when caring for patients with language barriers

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Nour Seulami ◽  
Jun Yang Liu ◽  
Mélyssa Kaci ◽  
Zakaria Ratemi ◽  
Abbesha Nadarajah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Alternative Solutions

Barriers to quality communication increase the risk for misunderstanding, negatively impact the thoroughness of health investigations, and can lead to delayed diagnoses and increased readmissions. In addition, language barriers disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations; thus, a lack of appropriate interpretation services promotes health disparities and increases the vulnerability of the underserved minority populations. According to the Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services of Quebec, health organizations need to take into account the distinctive linguistic and sociocultural characteristics of each region and, “foster […] access to health services and social services through adapted means of communication for persons with functional limitations”. A language barrier is a form of functional limitation that patients face when accessing healthcare services. Despite a clear policy, the current use of professional interpretation services is limited in our healthcare facilities, thus increasing obstacles in accessing healthcare services for patients with language barriers. It is thought that by identifying how language barriers present in our healthcare system and by highlighting the tools available to mitigate their consequences, healthcare workers, including medical students, may be better placed to serve the non-French and non-English speaking community. A group of medical students from the Universities of Montreal and McGill who are part of MedComm researched the problematic, most specifically in Montreal, in the hopes of emphasizing the need for alternative solutions to the current state of affairs in regard to offering optimal care to patients with language barriers.

An Overview of Medical Interpreting in Brazil

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-97
Author(s):  
Mylene Queiroz-Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Medical Interpreting ◽  
Professional Field

Among the settings where there is a need for interpreting services, healthcare contexts require special attention, given the complex nature of medical practice, which consequently imposes different challenges to interpreters. In Brazil, the language barriers faced by patients who do not speak Portuguese are handled mostly by volunteers without any specific training. This article gives an overview of the current demands for interpreters in medical settings in the country and the need for analysis and actions aimed at the development of a professional field to ensure access to health services in the country for linguistic minorities by qualified interpreters. There is a need for public policies to recognize the demand and elaborate linguistic access tools. There is an urgent need to include this specialization among interpreting studies agendas, in the Brazilian context, to include interpreting for healthcare.

scholarly journals Scoping Review on Maternal Health among Immigrant and Refugee Women in Canada: Prenatal, Intrapartum, and Postnatal Care

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Khanlou ◽  
N. Haque ◽  
A. Skinner ◽  
A. Mantini ◽  
C. Kurtz Landy
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Immigrant And Refugee

The last fifteen years have seen a dramatic increase in both the childbearing age and diversity of women migrating to Canada. The resulting health impact underscores the need to explore access to health services and the related maternal health outcome. This article reports on the results of a scoping review focused on migrant maternal health within the context of accessible and effective health services during pregnancy and following delivery. One hundred and twenty-six articles published between 2000 and 2016 that met our inclusion criteria and related to this group of migrant women, with pregnancy/motherhood status, who were living in Canada, were identified. This review points at complex health outcomes among immigrant and refugee women that occur within the compelling gaps in our knowledge of maternal health during all phases of maternity. Throughout the prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods of maternity, barriers to accessing healthcare services were found to disadvantage immigrant and refugee women putting them at risk for challenging maternal health outcomes. Interactions between the uptake of health information and factors related to the process of immigrant settlement were identified as major barriers. Availability of appropriate services in a country that provides universal healthcare is discussed.

scholarly journals Geographical Access to Child and Family Healthcare Services and Hospitals for Africa-Born Migrants and Refugees in NSW, Australia; A Spatial Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13205
Author(s):  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nick Nicholas ◽  
Hamish Robertson ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Travel Distance ◽  
Fragile States ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Spatial Access ◽  
Geographical Access

Background: African-born migrants and refugees arriving from fragile states and countries with political and economic challenges have unique health needs requiring tailored healthcare services and support. However, there is little investigation into the distribution of this population and their spatial access to healthcare in Australia. This paper reports on research that aimed to map the spatial distribution of Africa-born migrants from low and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) and refugees in New South Wales (NSW) and access to universal child and family health (CFH) services and hospitals. Methods: We analysed the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census data and Department of Social Services 2018 Settlement data. Using a Geographic Information System mapping software (Caliper Corporation. Newton, MA, USA), we applied data visualisation techniques to map the distribution of Africa-born migrants and refugees relative to CFH services and their travel distance to the nearest service. Results: Results indicate a spatial distribution of 51,709 migrants from LLMICs in Africa and 13,661 refugees from Africa live in NSW, with more than 70% of the total population residing in Sydney. The Africa-born migrant and refugee population in Sydney appear to be well served by CFH services and hospitals. However, there is a marked disparity between local government areas. For example, the local government areas of Blacktown and Canterbury-Bankstown, where the largest number of Africa-born migrants and refugees reside, have more uneven and widely dispersed services than those in Sydney’s inner suburbs. Conclusion: The place of residence and travel distance to services may present barriers to access to essential CFH services and hospitals for Africa-born refugees and migrants. Future analysis into spatial-access disadvantages is needed to identify how access to health services can be improved for refugees and migrants.

scholarly journals Impact of Distance in the Provision of Maternal Health Care Services and Its Accountability in Murarai-II Block, Birbhum District

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Alokananda Ghosh ◽  
Biswaranjan Mistri
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
P Value ◽  
Theoretic Model ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Risk Pregnancy ◽  
Birbhum District

The maternal health issue was a part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, Target-5). Now it has been incorporated into Target-3 of 17 points Sustainable Development Goal-2030, declared by the United Nations, 2015. In India, about 50% of newborn deaths can be reduced by taking good care of the mother during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. This requires timely, well-equipped healthcare by trained providers, along with emergency transportation for referral obstetric emergency. Governments need to ensure physicians in the rural underserved areas. The utilisation of maternal healthcare services (MHCSs) depends on both the availability and accessibility of services along with accountability.This study is based on an empirical retrospective survey, also called a historic study, to evaluate the influences of distance on the provision of maternal health services and on its accountability in Murarai-II block, Birbhum District. The major objective of the study is to identify the influence of distance on the provision and accountability of the overall MHCSs. The investigation has found that there is a strong inverse relationship (-0.75) between accessibility index and accountability score with p-value = <0.05, where the direct connectivity index seem to have no direct influence on the accountability score (as the ‘r’ is 0.56 and p-value= >0.05). Tracking of pregnant women, identification of high risk pregnancy and timely Postnatal Care (PNC) have become the dominant factors of the maternal healthcare services in the first Principal Component Analysis (PCA), explaining 49.67% of the accountability system. Overall, institutional barriers to accessibility are identified as important constraints behind lesser accountability of the services, preventing the anticipated benefit. This study highlights the critical areas where maternal healthcare services are lacking. The analysis has highlighted the importance of physical access to health services in shaping the provision of maternal healthcare services.Drawing on empirical observations of operation of public distribution system in different states of India, the paper constructs a preliminary game theoretic model. It argues that an effective public distribution must be as universal as possible, delivery mechanism of fair price shops should be reformed, they should be make them commercially viable and that special attention should be paid to PDS at times of high food inflation.

Practices employed by South African healthcare providers to obtain consent for treatment from children

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 640-652
Author(s):  
Michelle Bester ◽  
Yolanda Havenga ◽  
Zea Ligthelm
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Access To Health

Background: The ability to consent promotes children’s access to health services. Healthcare providers should assess and arrive at a clinical judgement about the child’s maturity and mental capacity to obtain valid consent. Research objective: The objective of the study was to determine practices employed by South African healthcare providers to obtain consent for treatment from children. Research design: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used and the study was contextual. Participants and research context: In all, 24 healthcare providers (professional nurses and medical practitioners) were purposively sampled from a hospital and primary health clinics. Semi-structured interviews were used. Ethical consideration: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and gatekeepers. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Findings: Healthcare providers’ current practices in obtaining consent from children revealed inconsistency in implementation as well as the yardstick used to determine children’s mental capacity. Building trust with children, sharing information and assessment were interlinked in obtaining consent. Discussion: The inconsistent practice has implications for children’s access to healthcare services. Conclusion: Inconsistent practices in the implementation of consent laws have the potential to violate children’s rights to bodily and psychological integrity, access to health services and having their opinions heard and be taken into consideration. Through uncovering the current perceptions and practices and a literature review, guidelines intended for use by the Department of Health could be developed.

scholarly journals Healthcare services utilization among international students in Ankara, Turkey: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abednego Nzyuko Masai ◽  
Bahar Güçiz-Doğan ◽  
Polet Njeri Ouma ◽  
Israel Nyaburi Nyadera ◽  
Victor Kipkoech Ruto
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Services Utilization

Abstract Background While international students form an increasing population of higher education students in Turkey, there is limited empirical evidence about their health services utilization. The study aim was to investigate healthcare access among a group of international students studying in Ankara city and identify potential barriers that affect full healthcare utilization. Method A total of 535 international students from 83 countries completed an online-based questionnaire. The survey was conducted from September until October 2020. Variables between groups within the study sample were compared using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (with Fisher’s exact test). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between variables related to access to health services. Results Of the study population, 80.6% accessed the general practitioner (GP), 40% accessed the student health centres, and 11.4% were admitted to the hospital at least once. About 80% of international students reported changing their views to access healthcare more because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Lack of awareness of healthcare support systems, perceived stigma associated with mental health services, and language barriers were the main barriers affecting healthcare access by international students. Implications Study findings indicate the need for education of international students on available healthcare, targeted health promotion, and training of health providers on effective communication.

scholarly journals Financial Barriers to Access to Health Services for Adult People with Disability in Iran: The Challenges for Universal Health Coverage

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahin SOLTANI ◽  
Amirhossein TAKIAN ◽  
Ali AKBARI SARI ◽  
Reza MAJDZADEH ◽  
Mohammad KAMALI
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
People With Disability ◽  
Universal Health

Background: Reducing inequities in access to healthcare is one of the most important goals for all health systems. Financial barriers play a fundamental role here. People with disability (PWD) experience further financial barriers in access to their needed healthcare services. This study aimed to explore the causes of barriers in access to health services for PWD in Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, we used semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data and selected participants through purposeful sampling with maximum variation. We conducted 56 individual interviews with people with disability, healthcare providers and policymakers from Sep 2015 until May 2016, at different locations in Tehran, Iran. Results: We identified four categories and eight subcategories of financial barriers affecting access to healthcare services among PWD. Four categories were related to health insurance (i.e. lack of insurance coverage for services like dentistry, occupational therapy and speech therapy), affordability (low income for PWD and their family), financial supports (e.g. low levels of pensions for people with disabilities) and transportation costs (high cost of transportation to reach healthcare facilities for PWD). Conclusion: Financial problems can lead to poor access to health care services. To achieve universal health coverage, government should reduce health insurance barriers and increase job opportunities and sufficient financial support for PWD. 

Predictors of Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour, Health Services Access and Utilization in Ajebo Community, South-West, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-390
Author(s):  
AK Ahmed ◽  
GB Imhonopi ◽  
MM Fasiku ◽  
A Ahmed ◽  
MO Osinubi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Public Health Facilities

Background: Health is a fundamental requirement for living a socially and economically productive life. Poor health inflicts great hardships on households, including debilitation, substantial monetary expenditures, loss of productivity and sometimes, death. Objectives: To describe healthcare-seeking behaviour, access to health services and utilisation, and their predictors in a southwestern Nigerian community. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Ajebo community, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State. A total of 420 respondents were studied using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect quantitative data.  Results: More than half (54.0%) of the respondents had access to public health facilities, 41.7% had access to private health facilities, while patent medicine stores were accessed by 4.3% of the respondents. Out of the 249 (59.3%) who were ill in the preceding three months, 92.4% of them sought healthcare. More males utilized government-owned health services s than females (χ² = 3.878, p = 0.049). More than half (56.4%) travelled >10 minutes to access healthcare services. Lack of formal education was not a hindrance to seeking healthcare (OR = 31.392, p = 0.003, CI = 3.323-2.347). Income earning <30,000 Naira was the strongest predictor of healthcare utilization (OR = 3.304, p =0.001, 95% CI = 2.007-5.441). Education with OR = 31.392 (p = 0.003, 95% CI = 3.323-96.570) was the strongest predictor of healthcare-seeking behaviour. Conclusion: Healthcare-seeking behaviour was not limited by lack of formal education. The utilisation of public health facilities was high among the respondents. State of employment and income were strong predictors of healthcare utilisation in Ajebo community. 

The use of health services by non-resident patients in a border region with mixed health systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Pumi Alliana ◽  
F Nampo
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Local Health ◽  
High Complexity ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
International Border

Abstract Background Access to health services in Brazil is universal, comprehensive, and equate, offering free healthcare to anyone, regardless of its country of residence. Cross-border patients may theoretically overload the healthcare services, mainly when the health systems or healthcare quality differ between countries. Sometimes, Brazilian politicians of border areas claim that non-residents overload local health services. Methods We collected data on the medium and high complexity Oncology and Cardiology care provided to in-patients by a reference Brazilian hospital located in the most populous international border of the country. This border is a conurbation that includes the cities of Foz do Iguassu (Brazil), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), totaling around 900,000 inhabitants, of which 264,044 live in Foz do Iguassu. In addition to the poor migration control of citizens crossing these borders - especially the border with Paraguay - the Brazilian Unified Health System differs from that of the other two countries for being free of charge, and also for offering better healthcare. Results From January 2014 to December 2018, 107,434 procedures were performed, of which 240 (0.22%) on non-resident patients (Paraguay, [n = 236]; Argentina [n = 4]). Additionally, 238 (0.22%) other procedures were performed on foreign patients who did not declare their city/country of origin (Paraguay [n = 229]; Argentina [n = 8]; Portugal [n = 1]). Conclusions The use of medium and high complexity procedures by the non-residents on the Brazilian side of its most populous international border is low. Non-residents may benefit from medium and high complexity healthcare services of neighboring countries without overloading the health system. Key messages Advocating that non-residents overload medium and high complexity health services in Brazil is dishonest and may segregate people. Efforts should move toward integrating healthcare in border regions.

Health equity funds as the pathway to universal coverage in Cambodia: care seeking and financial risk protection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theepakorn Jithitikulchai ◽  
Isabelle Feldhaus ◽  
Sebastian Bauhoff ◽  
Somil Nagpal
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Universal Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Financial Risk Protection ◽  
Access To Health

Abstract Cambodia has developed the health equity fund (HEF) system to improve access to health services for the poor, and this strengthens the health system towards the universal health coverage goal. Given rising healthcare costs, Cambodia has introduced several innovations and accomplished considerable progress in improving access to health services and catastrophic health expenditures for the targeted population groups. Though this is improving in recent years, HEF households remain at the higher risk of catastrophic spending as measured by the higher share of HEF households with catastrophic health expenses being at 6.9% compared to the non-HEF households of 5.5% in 2017. Poverty targeting poses another challenge for the health system. Nevertheless, HEF appeared to be more significantly associated with decreased out-of-pocket expenditure per illness among those who sought care from public providers. Increasing population and cost coverages of the HEF and effectively attracting beneficiaries to the public sector will further enhance the financial protection and pave the pathway towards universal coverage. Our recommendations focus on leveraging the HEF experience for expanding coverage and increasing equitable access, as well as strengthening the quality of healthcare services.

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