PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS IN COMMUNICATION IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN MEDICAL PRACTICE AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM
Keywords:
Thus, exploring psychological barriers in foreign-language medical communication and identifying effective strategies to overcome them is highly relevant to modern medical practice.Abstract
In an era of globalization and increasingly multicultural societies, healthcare providers are often required to interact with patients who speak different languages and come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Effective communication in medical practice is not merely about the accurate exchange of information but also about establishing trust, empathy, and a therapeutic relationship. When a foreign language is involved, psychological barriers such as anxiety, fear of misunderstanding, and cultural discomfort can significantly impair communication. Addressing these barriers is crucial because miscommunication in a medical setting can lead to misdiagnosis, poor adherence to treatment, patient dissatisfaction, and even medical errors.
References
1. Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. (2002). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund.
2. Schouten, B. C., & Meeuwesen, L. (2006). Cultural differences in medical communication: A review of the literature. Patient Education and Counseling, 64(1-3), 21-34.
3. Pottie, K., Hostland, S., & Health, P. (2007). Health advocacy for refugees: medical communication strategies. Canadian Family Physician, 53(9), 1401–1407.
4. Flores, G. (2005). The impact of medical interpreter services on the quality of health care: A systematic review. Medical Care Research and Review, 62(3), 255-299.
5. Kurtz, S., Silverman, J., & Draper, J. (2016). Teaching and learning communication skills in medicine. CRC Press.
6. Van den Broucke, S. (2014). Health literacy: A critical concept for public health. Archives of Public Health, 72(1), 10.
