Problems with Current Models for Eliminating Disparities
As mentioned in the “Barriers to Health Care” tab, language and cultural differences can present significant barriers to obtaining proper care. Currently, interpreters are used to help diminish the language barrier. However, about half of non-English speakers who need an interpreter report usually having one, and only 1% of patients who need an interpreter report using a trained interpreter (Collins 2002). When not using a trained interpreter, patients often use family members or even children. Interpreter understanding, especially in the case of an untrained interpreter, can limit the communication between patient and physician and even cause miscommunication. This may contribute to physician complaints of difficulty eliciting symptom, discussing treatment options, and eliciting treatment preference when using an interpreter (Fernandez et al. 2010).
Cultural differences can also pose barriers to communication and access to care. In order to reduce cultural barriers, some schools or offices offer seminars in cross-cultural communication and interaction.
While the medical community is currently working to reduce the disparity in health, trends in the current disparity and the projected racial disparity in health demonstrate that our current efforts are not enough to eliminate health disparities in the United States. We must begin to research new ways to eliminate language and cultural barriers to health. The use of culturally tailored programs may present a solution to this problem.
Cultural differences can also pose barriers to communication and access to care. In order to reduce cultural barriers, some schools or offices offer seminars in cross-cultural communication and interaction.
While the medical community is currently working to reduce the disparity in health, trends in the current disparity and the projected racial disparity in health demonstrate that our current efforts are not enough to eliminate health disparities in the United States. We must begin to research new ways to eliminate language and cultural barriers to health. The use of culturally tailored programs may present a solution to this problem.