Foreign languages in healthcare
A joint project to reduce language barriers in Estonian healthcare.
Background
This is a joint project with the Estonian Junior Doctors’ Association (ENÜ) and nursing students, addressing language barriers in healthcare.
Scale of the problem
- One in three physicians needs translation help every week.
- Nearly half of emergency-department and ambulance staff need weekly translation support.
- 33% of doctors need help with Russian, 20% with English.
Language errors reduce patient satisfaction, increase medical error and unnecessary procedures, and lengthen treatment.
The Ombudsman’s position
The Chancellor of Justice has confirmed that in non-emergency settings the patient is responsible for arranging translation; emergency departments, however, must assist regardless of the patient’s language.
Proposed solutions
- Informing patients of their translation responsibility.
- A digital solution in cooperation with the Health Insurance Fund.
- Professional translation via patient co-payment.
- Raising awareness and workplace oversight.
Contact
Project lead Jan Oskar Kõiv — abiarst@eays.ee