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Language barriers and healthcare access

Effective communication is crucial in all settings, including healthcare environments. However, barriers like language gaps can hinder patient-practitioners communication, leading to poor health outcomes. Language barriers further prevent patients from receiving optimal healthcare services and healthcare workers from delivering client-centered care. In Ghana, language minority populations face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare due to language barriers. Our recent study explored these challenges in the Tafi-Atome and Avatime-Vane communities in the Volta Region, revealing a critical need for stronger communication and translation practices. In this study, we found that healthcare professionals preferred to use English, Akan, and Ewe, while patients from the language minority communities preferred their native languages, Sideme and Tegbor. This language gap leads to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and inadequate treatment. It was also realised that unqualified interpreters are often used, exacerbating the problem. To address these challenges, we urge stakeholders in Ghana's healthcare delivery system to prioritize effective communication and translation practices, including the provision of language training for healthcare professionals, employment of qualified interpreters in the health facilities, development of patient education materials in local languages and encouragement of community engagement and participation. Please visit here to read the full article.

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