HealthCheck Training
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Post-Test
Overview
Health Supervision
- Introduction
- Health History
- Physical Examination
- Screening Services
- Laboratory Tests
- Immunizations
- Health Education
Special Health Issues
- Introduction
- Dental Health
- Overweight and Obesity
- HIV Guidelines
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Language Barriers
- Early Intervention
Documentation
Go To Resources »
Special Health Issues
Reducing Language Barriers
Providers who
serve families with limited or no ability to speak or understand
English can help to improve both communication and the quality
of health care delivery by adopting the following practices:
Language Preferences
- Determine each family’s language preferences and record the information in the child’s medical record.
- Create a special field for language preference in the medical record.
- Color code charts according to languages preferred.
Language Tools and Services
- Make use of the “I Speak” flashcard. This card contains a message, written in 38 languages, that enables individuals to identify the language they use to read or speak. (e.g., Margue esta casilla si lee o habla español.)
- Contract with and use interpretive language services when needed.
- Arrange for easy access to telephonic interpreters.
- Install high quality speakerphones for use with telephonic interpretation services.
Translated Materials
- Prominently display translated notices of the language services available.
- Use translated medical forms whenever possible (e.g., consent forms, signature forms).
- Provide families with health education materials translated into their preferred language.
Training
- Offer language training opportunities for administrative staff and health professionals.
- Train all staff and professionals on the use of interpretation services and equipment.
- Train front desk staff to assist families with making appointments and filling out forms (e.g., registration, medical history, consent).
- Learn and
use some basic vocabulary and phrases spoken in the community
you serve.
Resource for HealthCheck Providers: Translated MaterialsLanguage
Identification Flashcard (opens as a PDF) Interpretive
Services Flyer (opens as a PDF) Multilingual
Health Information Publications Health
Education Materials University of Michigan Health System |
Source
Addressing Language Access Issues in Your Practice: A Toolkit for Physicians and Their Staff Members, California Academy of Family Physicians, San Francisco, CA, 2005
