Cross-cultural communication in an intensive therapy unit

Communication should have no barriers, but in an intensive therapy unit (ITU) a human's ability to communicate effectively is often severely disrupted due to disease and treatment. This is further highlighted in patients who do not speak the native language of the place where they are nursed. Problems of this nature have been emphasised as more patients are contracted for specialist surgery from countries where it is less possible to perform the surgery required, due to economic, social or cultural reasons. Patients' and nurses' opinions on communications are discussed and a translation booklet is suggested as an aid to communication cross-culturally.