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Improving communication between physicians and patients who speak a foreign language
Alexander Bischoff1, Thomas V Perneger, Patrick A Bovier
1Quality of Care Unit, Department of Community Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals. alexander.bischoff@unibas.ch
Summary
Physician training improved communication for patients speaking a different language (allophones). This led to better patient satisfaction with explanations, respect, and overall care, increasing interpreter use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Healthcare Disparities
- Patient-Physician Interaction
Background:
- Physician-patient communication is challenging for patients who do not speak the local language (allophones).
- Effective communication is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an intervention designed to enhance physicians' communication skills with allophone patients.
- To assess the impact of this training on patient and provider satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A before-and-after intervention study was conducted in a Swiss teaching hospital outpatient clinic.
- Physicians received training on communicating with allophone patients and using interpreters.
- Patient and physician satisfaction with communication and care was measured using questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Allophone patients reported lower communication quality at baseline compared to francophone patients.
- Following the intervention, allophone patients showed significant improvements in satisfaction with physician explanations, respectfulness, communication, and overall care.
- The use of professional interpreters in consultations with allophone patients increased from 46% to 67%.
Conclusions:
- Specific training for primary care physicians can significantly improve the quality of communication as perceived by allophone patients.
- Interventions targeting physician communication skills are effective in addressing language barriers in healthcare.
- Enhanced communication positively impacts patient satisfaction and healthcare experiences for linguistic minorities.