Start Date
15-12-2016 4:35 PM
Description
Abstract: With the number of languages spoken across the country, there is an evident need for effective communication when individuals do not speak the same language. In medicine this is especially important, as individuals’ health are reliant on efficient communication between patient and provider. There has been a large amount of research published on language barrier’s impact on provider’s ability to provide care in the hospital but little has been done to investigate how language barriers play a role in the prehospital EMS setting. Unlike in hospitals where translators are often used to overcome this obstacle, EMS services utilize a variety of other resources and technologies. These technologies have yet to be studied for their relative effectiveness and cost efficiency in regards to assisting EMS providers with overcoming language barriers. Through direct observation, conversations with individuals from the field, and surveys for EMS personnel, this research study will determine the prevalence and impact of language barriers in prehospital care, and analyze the effectiveness of the variety of language barrier tools currently available.
Language Barriers in EMS
Abstract: With the number of languages spoken across the country, there is an evident need for effective communication when individuals do not speak the same language. In medicine this is especially important, as individuals’ health are reliant on efficient communication between patient and provider. There has been a large amount of research published on language barrier’s impact on provider’s ability to provide care in the hospital but little has been done to investigate how language barriers play a role in the prehospital EMS setting. Unlike in hospitals where translators are often used to overcome this obstacle, EMS services utilize a variety of other resources and technologies. These technologies have yet to be studied for their relative effectiveness and cost efficiency in regards to assisting EMS providers with overcoming language barriers. Through direct observation, conversations with individuals from the field, and surveys for EMS personnel, this research study will determine the prevalence and impact of language barriers in prehospital care, and analyze the effectiveness of the variety of language barrier tools currently available.
Comments
Mentor: Jennifer Abe, Ph.D.