A Deeper Look into Health Literacy and Social Determinants of Health: The Role of Translation Services in Pharmacies.
- PHC
- Dec 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Last week, while picking up my prescription, I witnessed a scene that was both heartwarming and concerning. A young girl, no more than 12 years old and dressed in her after-school martial arts uniform, tried her best to translate the pharmacy staff instructions for her mom, who had limited English proficiency. This national chain pharmacy serves countless communities across the U.S. and should have had systems in place to facilitate this communication. The need for effective communication in healthcare cannot be overstated.
The Importance of Health Literacy
Health literacy goes beyond the ability to read a prescription label. It includes the skills needed to gather, process, and understand basic health information and services critical for making informed health decisions. Studies indicate that nearly 36% of U.S. adults have limited health literacy, which can lead to infrequent use of preventive services, mismanagement of medications, and an overall decrease in health outcomes.
Conversely, better health literacy allows individuals to navigate the healthcare system more effectively, understand treatment protocols, and take control of their health. For example, patients who can effectively communicate with their healthcare providers are 25% more likely to follow treatment plans correctly.
At the pharmacy, the young girl expressed frustration with difficulty finding the right words in Spanish to convey important medication instructions to her mom. Despite her best efforts, the absence of professional translation services put both the child and the mom in a challenging position. After helping the mom and daughter with the translation, I inquired with the pharmacy staff about their availability of translation services for non-English speakers. To my disappointment, I discovered that they had none available. I wanted to explore the staff's answer further but was hurried away as there was a line of customers waiting to be served.
Decades ago, I was that young girl trying to understand the medical providers' jargon to translate it to my mom. No child should have to experience the pressure and frightening feeling of deciphering medical information they do not understand. And the potential for miscommunication that can cause unnecessary problems.
The Role of Translation Services in Healthcare
This situation begs the question: Are pharmacies responsible for providing translation services similar to those mandated in hospitals?
While hospitals are required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide translation services, pharmacies often lack this requirement. This gap has profound implications; without adequate support, individuals with language barriers may not fully understand their medication instructions, potentially leading to severe health risks. A study found that patients who do not understand their medication guidance are more likely to experience adverse drug events.
Implementing translation services in pharmacies can significantly enhance health literacy among diverse populations by ensuring patients receive vital health information in a language they understand.
The Need for Change
The situation I witnessed highlights not just a gap in translation services but a broader oversight in the healthcare system that neglects the necessity for clear communication. As we strive for a more equitable healthcare system, everyone must acknowledge their role in fostering health literacy.
Pharmacies can play a crucial role in closing the health literacy gap. Recognizing this potential is vital, as the future health of our communities depends on our proactive approach to these challenges.
Best Practices Approaches
Recruiting employees from the community who speak multiple languages to ensure effective communication with patients. Studies suggest that having staff fluent in multiple languages can lead to a 30% increase in patient satisfaction.
Ensure that essential health information, including medication instructions and consent forms, is available in the primary languages spoken in the community.
Looking into telehealth and translation applications to enhance communication during patient interactions.
Infographics and diagrams can help visually simplify communication and make it easier for patients to understand instructions.
Closing Thoughts
As we examine the links between health literacy and social determinants of health, it's essential to understand their impact on individuals and communities. The young girl's dedicated efforts to assist her mom emphasizes a pressing issue within our healthcare framework.
By investing in effective translation services, pharmacies can empower communities to make informed health decisions. It is a critical step toward ensuring that everyone can navigate their health journey confidently, regardless of their language skills. Now is the time for change. Together, we can create a healthcare system that champions understanding and inclusivity for all.
Coughlin SS, Vernon M, Hatzigeorgiou C, George V. Health Literacy, Social Determinants of Health, and Disease Prevention and Control. J Environ Health Sci. 2020;6(1):3061. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PMID: 33604453; PMCID: PMC7889072.
Asan O, Yu Z, Crotty BH. How clinician-patient communication affects trust in health information sources: Temporal trends from a national cross-sectional survey. PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0247583. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247583. PMID: 33630952; PMCID: PMC7906335.
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