Breaking down language barriers in clinical practice

Abstract

Communication is an essential component of skilled nursing practice. As 20 per cent of Australians are born overseas and come from a non-English speaking background (NESB), effective communication becomes a challenge for nurses who do not share the same language. Nursing use of an interpreter service is an essential component of practice in a multicultural community. This was one of the findings of a two-year participatory action research study which explored the practice of nurses caring for non-English speaking families. The intention of this paper is to explore this crucial aspect of the findings; nursing use of interpreters and the strategies instigated by the nurses to work more effectively with them.

Key words:

• Transcultural nursing
• Interpreter services
• Action research
• Communication barriers
• Cultural diversity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeanine Blackford

Jeanine worked as a research fellow on the projects described in this paper and is currently completing her PhD.