A Common Language Is So Basic!

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Robin Bartlett, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: It seems obvious that a person seeking care of any type should have a caregiver who speaks that person's language. Unfortunately, that does not always happen in the mono-lingual US, where a sizable minority, more than 8.5% of those aged 5 years and older, speak English “less than very well” (U.S. Census Bureau, 2009). In eight states, 10–20% of the population fall into this category, making it even more challenging for them to find a caregiver with whom they can communicate. Nursing care, especially that associated with the provision of mental health services, centers on conversation. Language barriers can compromise such care and pose a risk to patient health.

Additional Information

Publication
Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 32 (9), 608-609
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
mental health nursing, language barriers, communication, limited English proficiency (LEP), medical translation services

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