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Why Do Patients Face Language Barriers?

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Patients who face language barriers are less likely than others to have a usual source of medical care; they engage in preventative services at lower rates; and they have an increased risk of non-adherence to medication (Patel, 2014). This alone can serve as a challenge because if there is a lack of effective communication between the two parties, a patient may be reluctant in returning to see that provider again. Overcoming a language barrier may simply consist of utilizing a translator to effectively communicate between the patient and provider. The issue that arises here is that older adults normally use their children to serve as their translators for everyday conversation. An adult may be fearful of his or her child learning about their diagnosis or answers to questions that involve risky sexual behaviors. If the adult decided to utilize another source for a translator, the patient may feel reluctant in relaying information to someone they hardly know. Beyond feeling uncomfortable it is imperative that the health care …show more content…
Because patients associate cancer with a death sentence the fear and anxiety barrier kicks in preventing individuals from scheduling and maintaining an appointment with a primary care provider to discuss possible treatment options. The fear of the unknown and the dreaded call from the primary care provider about a cancer diagnosis prevents individuals from scheduling and maintaining appointments to find out about their current health status. Fear and anxiety can also interfere with individuals becoming aware or knowledgeable about risks, symptoms, and treatment options as it relates to breast cancer. As stated before, for some individuals it is better not to know because that is one less thing they have to worry about, in other words “out of sight, out of

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