Communication for Marginalized Populations
Communication for Marginalized Populations
Patty Sinsel
HCA 230
February 6, 2011
Phyllis B. Phillips
Communication for Marginalized Populations
1. As the medical assistant, you worked with three different marginalized populations. Briefly describe each population and provide one communication tip for each.
The first marginalized population was the aging. There is different approach needed with this population as it required the ability to help them understand without increasing fear and not making them feel disrespected. As a person ages, they become less in tune with surrounding and many times their mental acuity is not as sharp. It is important to understand where the patient is mentally in order to make sure you can address what is wrong with them physically without added concern to the patient. Many times there is the additional layer of family support that sometimes causes extra time making sure the family or care taker also understand the situation.
The second marginalized population was that of nationality or language barrier. It brings the same additional needs as does the first scenario but understanding the situation and treatment plan can be difficult if you do not have the most appropriate interpreter for both parties. It is important from the care giver perspective to make sure the patient fully understands the instructions and the medical situation in order to protect themselves and their patient.
The third marginalized population was that of demographics or level of intellect. It is important when working within a population that treats all walks of life that you understand at what level you must communicate with the patient. Again, for this reason you need to be able to speak to the patient in a manner that is respectful and trusting so the patient is comfortable communicating the situation. This also allows the care giver to triage and assign priority when immediate attention is not always available.
2. What would you
Patty Sinsel
HCA 230
February 6, 2011
Phyllis B. Phillips
Communication for Marginalized Populations
1. As the medical assistant, you worked with three different marginalized populations. Briefly describe each population and provide one communication tip for each.
The first marginalized population was the aging. There is different approach needed with this population as it required the ability to help them understand without increasing fear and not making them feel disrespected. As a person ages, they become less in tune with surrounding and many times their mental acuity is not as sharp. It is important to understand where the patient is mentally in order to make sure you can address what is wrong with them physically without added concern to the patient. Many times there is the additional layer of family support that sometimes causes extra time making sure the family or care taker also understand the situation.
The second marginalized population was that of nationality or language barrier. It brings the same additional needs as does the first scenario but understanding the situation and treatment plan can be difficult if you do not have the most appropriate interpreter for both parties. It is important from the care giver perspective to make sure the patient fully understands the instructions and the medical situation in order to protect themselves and their patient.
The third marginalized population was that of demographics or level of intellect. It is important when working within a population that treats all walks of life that you understand at what level you must communicate with the patient. Again, for this reason you need to be able to speak to the patient in a manner that is respectful and trusting so the patient is comfortable communicating the situation. This also allows the care giver to triage and assign priority when immediate attention is not always available.
2. What would you
References: Tamparo, C. D., & Lindh, W. Q. (2000). Therapeutic communications for health professionals (2nd ed., pp. 147-170). New Jersey: Delmar Thomson Learning.