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Language issues in the community pharmacy: a perspective from Wales.
M Louise Hughes1, Dai N John, Arwyn T Jones
1Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. HughesML@cardiff.ac.uk
The International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
|March 12, 2010
Summary
Welsh speakers in bilingual communities prefer using Welsh in pharmacies for clearer communication of symptoms and medication details. This preference enhances patient comfort and perceived service quality, highlighting the importance of language choice in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Sociolinguistics
- Health Services Research
- Community Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- Bilingual communities in Wales present unique communication challenges in healthcare settings.
- The role of the Welsh language in community pharmacy services remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives of Welsh speakers regarding the use of the Welsh language in community pharmacies.
- To understand the impact of language preference on patient experience and pharmacist-patient interactions.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach involving semi-structured interviews and self-complete questionnaires.
- Purposive sampling in two Welsh-speaking communities, with data collected through thematic analysis and SPSS analysis.
Main Results:
- The majority of Welsh speakers preferred using Welsh in pharmacies, even if capable of understanding English.
- Participants reported easier symptom explanation and increased medication inquiries when using Welsh.
- Comfort levels and perceived service quality improved when interacting with a Welsh-speaking pharmacist.
Conclusions:
- Language choice is crucial for bilingual individuals, particularly when preferring their native minority language with health professionals.
- A lack of linguistic concordance can hinder effective patient-pharmacist partnerships.
- Pharmacists must recognize and address the linguistic needs and preferences of their bilingual clientele.
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