What is the best action when a foreign-born patient has limited English proficiency?

The best action when a foreign-born patient has limited English proficiency is to patiently ask them if they have a friend or family member who might help translate for them. This approach acknowledges the patient's comfort by involving someone they trust in the communication process, which can lead to more effective and accurate exchanges of necessary information regarding their medical needs.

Using a friend or family member as a translator not only eases the patient’s anxiety but also ensures that the translation of medical terms and patient concerns happens in a familiar context. This can result in a more nuanced understanding of their situation, as medical terminology or personal details might be better conveyed by someone who knows the patient well.

While calling for a professional interpreter can seem like a practical option, it may not always be immediately available and can delay necessary care. Asking the patient to write down their needs might be difficult for those who are not literate in their own language, and communicating using gestures can lead to misunderstandings due to the complexities of medical language and the nuances that may be lost in non-verbal communication. Therefore, involving a trusted person often leads to quicker, clearer communication.