1. Multicultural Health Communication

2. Learning Objectives Enhanced ability to communicate with people from culturally diverse backgrounds Practical knowledge of how to use interpreter services

3. Communication is a critical factor As primary health professionals we spend over 70% in interpersonal situations including Face to face discussions Meetings E-mails Phone or other conversations. We need to be able overcome cultural and linguistic barriers to achieve a shared understanding and to convey information.

5. Interpreter Services Queensland Health provides accredited interpreters, at no cost to the patient Interpreters to assist with the communication process. Interpreter convey the meaning of the spoken message between the client and the health professional and visa versa.

6. Interpreters Ways to determine if a client needs an interpreter are: If they have “I need an interpreter card” Ask a question that requires an answer in a sentence Ask a client to repeat a message you gave, in their own words

7. Engaging Interpreters An accredited interpreter should be engaged if the person has a Queensland Government “I need an Interpreter card” the person requests and interpreter, the person is deaf or hearing impaired and communicates using sign language or the person’s English is assessed to be inadequate for the situation.

8. Engaging Interpreters An accredited interpreter should be engaged if the person: States they speak little English Preferred reading language is not English Is not responding in a way that suggests understanding Has been in the country a short time Is expressing feelings of stress or anxiety Is unable to explain or demonstrate key information

9. Engaging Interpreters Interpreters should be engaged when: A client is being admitted Clinical histories are being taken Assessments and diagnosis are done Pre and post operative instructions are issued Clients are being informed of results providing information about medications and discharge procedures and referrals

12. Thankyou This completes the multicultural health presentations. Session 2 of this unit provides further information on resources and recommended further training.