Strategies for Advocacy in Healthcare: Empowering a Refugee with Limited English Proficiency

QUESTION

You have identified and evaluated two strategies that could be applied by the nurse to promote advocacy in the scenario below

Scenario 3: The refugee who speaks English as a second languageZaid (48 years old) is a Syrian refugee who was granted asylum in Australia two years ago. He started learning English around the same time and speaks the language well enough to get by in most social situations, but he is unable to read English.Zaid has been an inpatient on the general ward for a few days, originally admitted with abdominal pain. He has already had an ultrasound and been diagnosed with gallstones, and now has been scheduled for a cholecystectomy in the morning. The notes state that Zaid has had the procedure and risks explained to him, and there is a signed consent form. However, as you are taking Zaid’s vital signs in the evening, he asks you what the “test” is that he will be having tomorrow, and why did the food service staff say he is not allowed to eat or drink?

ANSWER

Strategies for Advocacy in Healthcare: Empowering a Refugee with Limited English Proficiency

Introduction

Promoting advocacy in healthcare is essential to ensure that every patient receives the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their care. In the scenario presented, Zaid, a Syrian refugee with English as a second language, is scheduled for a cholecystectomy but lacks a clear understanding of the procedure and its implications. This essay explores two strategies that the nurse can apply to advocate for Zaid’s needs and empower him to participate actively in his healthcare decision-making process.

Strategy 1: Utilizing Interpreter Services

One crucial strategy for promoting advocacy for Zaid is utilizing interpreter services to overcome the language barrier. As Zaid is unable to read English, it is essential to communicate important medical information verbally and ensure that he comprehends the procedure and its associated risks fully. The nurse can request the assistance of a professional interpreter who speaks both Arabic (Zaid’s native language) and English to facilitate effective communication.

By engaging an interpreter, the nurse can

Accurately convey medical information: The interpreter can accurately translate complex medical terminology, ensuring that Zaid understands the details of the cholecystectomy procedure and its potential outcomes.

Address Zaid’s questions and concerns: With the interpreter’s help, the nurse can address Zaid’s questions and concerns about the “test” and the fasting requirement, ensuring he has a clear understanding of the preoperative process.

Obtain informed consent: By providing information in Zaid’s native language, the nurse can ensure that Zaid comprehends the procedure’s risks fully before providing informed consent for the cholecystectomy.

Strategy 2: Using Visual Aids and Simplified Language

Another effective strategy to promote advocacy for Zaid is using visual aids and simplified language to enhance his understanding of the procedure. As Zaid may face challenges with written English, the nurse can employ visual materials and plain language explanations to supplement verbal communication.

The nurse can

Provide visual aids: Using diagrams or pictures to illustrate the cholecystectomy procedure can enhance Zaid’s comprehension and reinforce the verbal explanations.

Use plain language: Avoiding medical jargon and complex terminology, the nurse can use simple language to explain the purpose and process of the cholecystectomy, ensuring Zaid can grasp the information more easily.

Conclusion

Promoting advocacy in healthcare is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations like Zaid, who face language barriers. By utilizing interpreter services and employing visual aids with simplified language, the nurse can empower Zaid to make informed decisions about his care and ensure that he fully understands the upcoming cholecystectomy procedure. These strategies exemplify the nurse’s commitment to patient-centered care and advocate for the rights and well-being of all patients, regardless of their language proficiency or cultural background.