Epidemiological Case Study

Sample Answer

Case study Transcultural Approach to Nursing Care

A 20-year-old Asian female presents to the free clinic of a small rural town seeking treatment for a urinary tract infection. She is accompanied by her 25-year-old Asian boyfriend but she only speaks little English.

The purpose of the paper is to review this case and discuss communication and nursing approaches, modifications in nursing care, and patient education that would be required while caring for this patient.

Communication Approach

While dealing with difficulties in communication due to language barriers, it is crucial for nurses to modify their communication skills to ensure efficient communication. For example, in this case, it is crucial for the nurse to use simple and plain English that is easy for the patient to understand. In addition, the nurse can use non-verbal communication techniques to point to various areas to clarify (Espinoza et al., 2021).

The nurse can also utilize visual images and written materials to help the patient express themselves while gaining more insight.In addition, to ease communication, the nurse can ask her boyfriend whether he can speak and understand English so that he can act as the interpreter. Alternatively, the nurse can ask if the clinic has an interpreter or seek the assistance of a translating device to help with communication challenges (Al-Yateem et al., 2023).

The nurse should occasionally repeat statements they or the patient has said for clarification. Lastly, the nurse can use written materials with simple and understandable language that can help in subsequent follow-ups.

Space Approach

To ensure I respect the patient’s space, I would start by building a trusting and empathetic relationship that would allow the patient to express herself freely.

Secondly, I would respect the patient’s privacy and constantly reassure them that I would maintain their confidentiality(Tegegne et al., 2022). Additionally, I would respect the patient’s boundaries and refrain from pushing for information the patient is not of free will to provide.

I would also ask for the patient’s consent before performing any examinations and treatment procedures and clarify the importance of each step. Lastly, I would respect the patient’s cultural background and offer support where the patient needs help.

Nursing Approach

Language barriers necessitate different approaches to the patient. As mentioned earlier, the initial assessment of the patient requires communication modification using interpreters, translators, and visual aids.

They can also be used while instructing examinations, interventions, medication, and patient education (van Vuuren et al., 2021). Patient education and follow-up require the nurse to utilize resources such as translators and social services to ensure adequate emphasis on medication and adherence to follow-up appointments.

Patient Education

Patient education is a crucial component of patient care while in healthcare centers. To ensure that I effectively educate my patient, I would use simple and understandable language and visual aids that help the patient understand the diagnosis, signs, symptoms, treatment, and follow-up plan (Gerchow et al., 2021).

At the same time, I would ensure my instructions in the written discharge notes are clear and seek the assistance of an interpreter to help clarify the information with the patient and ask whether they can help translate some information into the patient’s native language to help her understand better.

Additionally, I would ask the patient some questions to check whether she understood the crucial areas while encouraging her to ask me questions in areas she might not have understood well. Lastly, I would link the patient with online and remote resources that can be utilized by the patient while at home.

Conclusion

Language barrier poses a huge communication challenge when providing care to patients. Thus, nurses must learn and utilize new methods, such as visual aids and written materials, that can be utilized in such circumstances. It is also crucial for the nurse to understand that despite communication challenges, they should provide equal and just treatment for the patient while respecting their space.

References

• Al-Yateem, N., Hijazi, H., Saifan, A. R., Ahmad, A., Masa’Deh, R., Alrimawi, I., Rahman, S. A., Subu, M. A., & Ahmed, F. R. (2023). Quality and safety issue language barriers in healthcare, a qualitative study of non-Arab healthcare practitioners caring for Arabic patients in the UAE. BMJ Open, 13(12), e076326. https //doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076326
  
• Espinoza, J., & Derrington, S. (2021). How Should Clinicians Respond to Language Barriers That Exacerbate Health Inequity? AMA Journal of Ethics, 23(2), 109–116. https //doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2021.109
  
• Gerchow, L., Burka, L. R., Miner, S., & Squires, A. (2020). Language barriers between nurses and patients A scoping review. Patient Education and Counseling, 104(3), 534–553. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.017
  
• Tegegne, M. D., Melaku, M. S., Shimie, A. W., Hunegnaw, D. D., Legese, M. G., Ejigu, T. A., Mengestie, N. D., Zemene, W., Zeleke, T., & Chanie, A. F. (2022). Health professionals’ knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality and associated factors in a resource-limited setting a cross-sectional study. BMC Medical Ethics, 23(1). https //doi.org/10.1186/s12910-022-00765-0
  
• van Vuuren, C. J., van Dyk, B., & Mokoena, P. L. (2021). Overcoming communication barriers in a multicultural radiography setting. Health SA Gesondheid, 26(0). https //doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1568