Comparison of the perception of palliative care by healthcare professionals in some countries around the world: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The global need for palliative care (PC) is increasing, especially as the population ages. The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness triggers numerous decisions by healthcare professionals (HCPs). How these professionals understand and deal with PC influences the quantity and quality of care provided to patients. This systematic review aimed to compare perceptions of PC among HCPs around the world. METHODS: The databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and EBSCO) were searched systematically. Articles reporting on the perception of HCPs, published between January 2012 and December 2022, were included. Texts that reported the perceptions of family members and patients were excluded to avoid the risk of bias. Those included were organized by country/region and continent for later analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2,063 articles initially retrieved 32 were included and provided relevant information from four continents (America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania). Most of this was done through interviews and questionnaires. All HCPs consulted in the studies recognized the importance of PC. The perception of these professionals was influenced by cultural factors (such as religion), difficulties perceived in each country/region (such as inadequate knowledge, conceptual confusion, etc.), diseases, and the age range of patients served. The acceptance and preparation of professionals to deal with this topic in their routine also influenced their perceptions of HCPs. The limitation of this research is the lack of eligible studies from Africa and the small number of participants in some studies. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that HCPs' perceptions of PC are similar, regardless of their country of origin.

Uncovering multi-level mental healthcare barriers for migrants: a qualitative analysis across China, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, and South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Forced displacement is a significant issue globally, and it affected 112 million people in 2022. Many of these people have found refuge in low- and middle-income countries. Migrants and refugees face complex and specialized health challenges, particularly in the area of mental health. This study aims to provide an in-depth qualitative assessment of the multi-level barriers that migrants face in accessing mental health services in Germany, Macao (Special Administrative Region of China), the Netherlands, Romania, and South Africa. The ultimate objective is to inform tailored health policy and management practices for this vulnerable population. METHODS: Adhering to a qualitative research paradigm, the study centers on stakeholders' perspectives spanning microsystems, mesosystems, and macrosystems of healthcare. Utilizing a purposive sampling methodology, key informants from the aforementioned geographical locations were engaged in semi-structured interviews. Data underwent thematic content analysis guided by a deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS: The study unveiled three pivotal thematic barriers: language and communication obstacles, cultural impediments, and systemic constraints. The unavailability of professional interpreters universally exacerbated language barriers across all countries. Cultural barriers, stigmatization, and discrimination, specifically within the mental health sector, were found to limit access to healthcare further. Systemic barriers encompassed bureaucratic intricacies and a conspicuous lack of resources, including a failure to recognize the urgency of mental healthcare needs for migrants. CONCLUSIONS: This research elucidates the multifaceted, systemic challenges hindering equitable mental healthcare provision for migrants. It posits that sweeping policy reforms are imperative, advocating for the implementation of strategies, such as increasing the availability of language services, enhancing healthcare providers' capacity, and legal framework and policy change to be more inclusive. The findings substantially contribute to scholarly discourse by providing an interdisciplinary and international lens on the barriers to mental healthcare access for displaced populations.

Funcionalidade de pessoas hospitalizados em vulnerabilidade comunicativa pela CIF / Functioning of hospitalized people in vulnerable communication by the ICF / Funcionalidad de las personas hospitalizadas con vulnerabilidad comunicativa por el CIF

Introdução: Pacientes hospitalizados, por causas diversas, podem apresentar comprometimentos de fala e linguagem que os coloquem em situação de vulnerabilidade comunicativa, influenciando sua funcionalidade. Adota-se a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) para análise, sob esta perspectiva. Objetivo: Analisar a linguagem e funcionalidade de pessoas em vulnerabilidade comunicativa, em cuidados intensivo e semi-intensivo no hospital, pela CIF, como base conceitual. Método: Estudodescritivo e transversal, constituído por 18 participantes. Para a coleta de dados realizou-se: (i) levantamento dos prontuários, para caracterização do perfil sociodemográfico e das condições clínicas dos participantes; (ii) aplicação do protocolo ICUCS (Intensive Care Unit Communication Screening Protocol);(iii) introdução da Comunicação Suplementar e/ou Alternativa (CSA) e (iv) diário de campo (registro dos relatos). Os resultados foram analisados pela CIF e realizada análise estatística descritiva. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes estava alerta e compreendia comandos simples, sendo que 39% apresentaram problema grave de expressão de linguagem. Quanto à atividade e participação, 50% apresentaram dificuldade grave no falar, 33%, em iniciar e em manter conversas. Quanto aos fatores ambientais, familiares e profissionais de Saúde foram apontados tanto como facilitadores quanto como barreiras para a comunicação. A CSA foi vista como facilitadora da comunicação. Conclusão: Os participantes apresentaram alteração de expressão da linguagem oral, com compreensão preservada e dificuldades de atividade e participação, com impacto nos fatores ambientais, sendo a CSA uma facilitadora da comunicação. Reafirma-se a aplicabilidade da CIF no contexto hospitalar, para pessoas em vulnerabilidade comunicativa, para cuidado ampliado e humanizado.

Introduction: Hospitalized patients, due to various causes, may present impairment of speech and language which may lead them to a situation of communicative vulnerability, influencing its functioning. The ICF - International Classification of functioning, Disability and Health is adopted to perform this analysis, under this perspective. Purpose: To analyze the language and functioning of people in communicative vulnerability, under intensive or semi-intensive care at the hospital, according to ICF, as a concept basis. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, composed by 18 participants. Data collected through: (i) hospital chart survey analysis, in order to characterize sociodemographic profile and clinical conditions of the participants; (ii) application of ICUCS - Intensive Care Unit Communication Screening Protocol; (iii) introduction of AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication and (iv) field journal (entries of reports). The results were analyzed by ICF and then performed descriptive statistic analyses. Results: Most participants were alert and could comprehend simple commands, from which 39% presented severe problems regarding language expression. Regarding activity and participation, 50% presented severe difficulty of speaking and 33% of starting and keeping conversations. Regarding environmental, family and health professionals factors, they have all been appointed both as facilitators and barriers to communication. AAC was seen as a communication facilitator. Conclusion: Participants presented alteration of oral language expression, preserved comprehension and difficulties in activity and participation with impact in environmental factors, being AAC a communication facilitator. Reassurance of applicability of ICF in hospital context, directed to people in communicative vulnerability, regarding ample and humanized treatment.

Los pacientes hospitalizados, por las causas diversas, pueden presentar deterioro de la funcionalidad del habla y del lenguaje que se sitúa en el discurso comunicativo, lo que influye en su funcionalidad. Se utiliza la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento de la Discapacidad y de la Salud (CIF) para análisis desde esta perspectiva. Objetivo: Analizar el lenguaje y la funcionalidad de personas en vulnerabilidad comunicativa, en cuidados intensivos y semiintensivos hospitalarios, utilizando la CIF, como fundamento conceptual. Método: Estudiodescriptivo y transversal, con 18 participantes. La recogida de datos incluyó: (i) estudios de las historias clínicas, para caracterizar el perfil sociodemográfico y las condiciones clínicas de los participantes; (ii) la aplicación del protocolo ICUCS (Intensive Care Unit Communication Screening Protocol);(iii) la introducción de la Comunicación Aumentativa y Alternativa (CAA) y (iv) un diario de campo (registro de informes). Los resultados se analizaron por la CIF y se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes estaban alerta y entendían órdenes sencillas, el 39% presentaron graves problemas para expresarse en el lenguaje. Em cuanto, a la actividad y la participación, el 50% tenía graves dificultades para hablar, y el 33%, para iniciar y mantener conversaciones. Los factores ambientales, los miembros de la familia y los profesionales sanitarios fueron identificados tanto como facilitadores como obstáculo para la comunicación. Se consideró que el CAA facilitaba la comunicación. Conclusión: Los participantes presentaban alteración en la expresión del lenguaje oral, con entendimiento resguardado y dificultades en la actividad y la participación, con impacto en los factores ambientales, siendo la CAA facilitadora de la comunicación. Se reafirma la aplicabilidad de la CIF en el contexto hospitalario, para personas en vulnerabilidad comunicativa, para la atención ampliada y humanizada.

Provision of interpreting support for cross-cultural communication in UK maternity services: A Freedom of Information request.

Background: Language, communication and understanding of information are central to safe, ethical and efficient maternity care. The National Health Service (NHS) commissioning board, NHS England, describes how healthcare providers should obtain language support through professionally trained interpreters. Providers of interpreters are commissioned to deliver remote/face to face interpretation across the NHS. Services can be booked in advance or calls can be made in real time. However, women report infrequent use of professionally trained interpreters during their maternity care, often relying on friends and family as interpreters which can compromise confidentiality, disclosure and accuracy. Methods: To determine the demand for, and provision of, professionally trained interpreters in practice, we sent a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to 119 NHS Trusts delivering maternity services in England in November 2022. For the financial years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, we asked how many women in the maternity service were identified as needing an interpreter, the number and mode of interpreter sessions, and the annual spend on interpreting services. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: One hundred maternity Trusts responded by 21st April 2023 (response rate 100/119-84 %). Of these, 56 (56 %) recorded a woman's need for an interpreter. Nineteen Trusts relied on documentation in paper notes and 37 Trusts recorded the information on a digital system. From the 37 Trusts where this information could be digitally retrieved, women requiring interpreter support reflected between 1 and 25 % of the annual birth rate of the Trust (average 9 %) and received an average of three interpreter sessions across their pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey. Telephone was the dominant mode used for interpreting sessions, though 11 Trusts favoured face to face interpreting. Financial spend on interpreting services varied across Trusts; some funded their own in-house interpreting services, or worked with local community groups in addition to their contracted interpreting provider. Conclusion: Information obtained from this FOI request suggests that documentation of a woman's interpreting need is not complete or consistent across NHS maternity services. As a result, it is not clear how many women require an interpreter, the mode of provision or how frequently it is provided, and the cost involved. However, the limited information available suggests a failure to provide interpreter support to women at each scheduled care encounter. This raises questions about, the risk of women not understanding the care being offered, and the increased risk of uninformed, unconsented care as women traverse pregnancy and birth. Tweetable: There appears to be failure to provide interpreter support to women at each scheduled maternity care encounter increasing the risk of uninformed, unconsented care.

A qualitative study on diverse experiences of medication safety among foreign-born persons living in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing global migration has led to multicultural societies, with many migrants who do not speak the official language in the host country. This could contribute to communication problems with staff in healthcare and a risk to patient safety. Research on patient safety in medication use in migrants is an under-researched area. The aim was to explore diverse foreign-born people's experiences and perceptions of self-management of medication and determine if home-based practice patterns have implications on medication safety, and what factors may support safe medication use. METHODS: A qualitative explorative study, with individual semi-structured interviews and participant observations in the patients' home. Qualitative content analysis was applied. RESULTS: A purposeful sample of 15 foreign-born persons identified by healthcare staff as having language difficulties in Swedish that may pose a safety risk in connection with medication use at home, was selected. Three categories were identified. The first category showed respondents being dependent on another person, having experiences of not receiving information about their medications due to language barriers, having difficulties getting access to the healthcare centre and feeling distrusted/misunderstood. The second category showed respondents being independent and self-motivated Although they struggled, they managed to get access/contact with the healthcare centre themselves and felt understood/listened to by the staff. The last category concerned factors that facilitating medication use; such as having a medication list in the respondents' own language and offering a choice of language on the answering machine at the healthcare centre. Although they knew it was impossible to get an interpreter at the pharmacy, they felt safe knowing there was always a solution for receiving understandable information. CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted that language barriers can complicate the communication between migrants and the healthcare, which can affect the medication safety. Understanding of this group is essential to improve the cooperation between patients and staff, leading to culturally congruent care. This knowledge should be used in healthcare to understand the gap in communication to increase patient safety. Further research from other angles, e.g. pharmacy/healthcare staff and relatives is needed to identify and evaluate facilitation to improve the outcome of the intended medication treatment.

Enhancing Patient Safety Through Effective Interprofessional Communication: A Focus on Medication Error Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Medication errors significantly impact patient safety and healthcare costs. This study investigates the influence of interprofessional communication on medication error rates, with a focus on identifying actionable strategies to improve communication efficacy among healthcare professionals. METHODS: Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research distributed a detailed online questionnaire to a broad cohort of healthcare workers in various settings within Saudi Arabia. The survey encompassed sections on demographics, the frequency and quality of interprofessional communication, perceived barriers and facilitators to effective communication, and personal experiences with medication errors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to derive descriptive and inferential statistics, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses. RESULTS: The survey attracted 1165 respondents, predominantly aged 20-30 (68.58%) and female (65.49%). Pharmacists constituted the largest professional group (40.34%). We identified a notable positive correlation (r = 0.16) between high-quality interprofessional communication and employment in hospital environments or having 5-20 years of experience. In contrast, negative correlations were observed with employment in non-traditional healthcare settings (r = -0.19) and professionals with less than five years of experience (r = -0.13), indicating communication challenges. The analysis also highlighted a concerning frequency of prescription and dispensing errors, with 52.70% of participants reporting prescription errors as the most common issue encountered. CONCLUSION: Effective interprofessional communication is pivotal in mitigating medication errors within healthcare settings. The study illuminates specific areas for improvement, including the need for targeted communication training, particularly for less experienced professionals and those in non-traditional settings. Enhancing communication channels and fostering an environment conducive to open, interdisciplinary dialogue are essential steps towards advancing patient safety and reducing medication errors.

Comparison of barriers to effective nurse-patient communication in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards.

BACKGROUND: Communication is a basic need of humans. Identifying factors that prevent effective nurse-patient communication allows for the better implementation of necessary measures to modify barriers. This study aims to compare the barriers to effective nurse-patient communication from the perspectives of nurses and patients in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022. The participants included 200 nurses (by stratified sampling method) and 200 patients (by systematic random sampling) referred to two conveniently selected hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. The inclusion criteria for nurses were considered having at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum literacy level for patients to complete the questionnaires. Data were collected by the demographic information form and questionnaire with 30 and 15 questions for nurses and patients, which contained similar questions to those for nurses, based on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysis using descriptive indices and inferential statistics (Linear regression) in SPSS software version 18. RESULTS: The high workload of nursing, excessive expectations of patients, and the difficulty of nursing work were identified by nurses as the main communication barriers. From the patients' viewpoints, the aggressiveness of nurses, the lack of facilities (welfare treatment), and the unsanitary conditions of their rooms were the main communication barriers. The regression model revealed that the mean score of barriers to communication among nurses would decrease to 0.48 for each unit of age increase. Additionally, the patient's residence explained 2.3% of the nurses' barriers to communication, meaning that native participants obtained a mean score of 2.83 units less than non-native nurses, and there was no statistically significant difference between the COVID and non-COVID wards. CONCLUSION: In this study, the domain of job characteristics was identified by nurses as the major barrier, and patients emphasized factors that were in the domain of individual/social factors. There is a pressing need to pay attention to these barriers to eliminate them through necessary measures by nursing administrators.

Perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors among adolescents living with obesity, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in Italy: the ACTION Teens study.

PURPOSE: ACTION Teens (NCT05013359) was conducted in 10 countries to identify perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers to effective obesity care among adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), caregivers of ALwO, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Here, we report data from participants in Italy. METHODS: The ACTION Teens cross-sectional online survey was completed by 649 ALwO (aged 12- < 18 years), 455 caregivers, and 252 HCPs in Italy in 2021. RESULTS: Most ALwO thought their weight was above normal (69%), worried about weight affecting their future health (87%), and reported making a weight-loss attempt in the past year (60%); fewer caregivers responded similarly regarding their child (46%, 72%, and 33%, respectively). In addition, 49% of caregivers believed their child would lose excess weight with age. ALwO (38%) and caregivers (30%) most often selected wanting to be more fit/in better shape as a weight-loss motivator for ALwO; HCPs most often selected improved social life/popularity (73%). ALwO (25%) and caregivers (22%) most frequently selected lack of hunger control and not liking exercise, respectively, as weight-loss barriers, while HCPs most often agreed that unhealthy eating habits were a barrier (93%). ALwO most often obtained weight-management information from family/friends (25%) and search engines (24%); caregivers most often obtained information from doctors (29%). CONCLUSION: In Italy, the impact of obesity on ALwO was underestimated by caregivers, and ALwO and HCPs had different perceptions of key weight-loss motivators and barriers. Additionally, the internet was a key information source for ALwO, which suggests new education/communication strategies are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Evidence obtained from multiple time series with/without intervention, e.g. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05013359.

Exploring healthcare barriers and satisfaction levels among deaf individuals in Ecuador: A video-based survey approach.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of Deaf individuals live in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems often overlook their specific needs. This communication gap can result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, impacting their overall satisfaction with healthcare services. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to uncover barriers to healthcare access and preferences among the Deaf population in Ecuador, and the role of communication barriers in shaping satisfaction levels with healthcare services. METHODS: The study gathered data from 386 participants through online surveys, focusing on demographic characteristics, healthcare experiences, communication methods, and levels of satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and association analyses were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study reveals that nearly all participants possessed an officially recognized disability (95.9%) and 53.9% reported hereditary deafness. Ecuadorian sign language was predominant (60.9%). Communication barriers were evident, with 65.0% having trouble understanding medical instructions, and 66.6% identifying a deficiency of tools for Deaf individuals in healthcare settings. Satisfaction levels were associated with the presence of interpreters during medical care, with 46.6% expressing a preference for interpreters over other communication methods. Additionally, private healthcare facilities were perceived as providing better services, despite being less frequently accessed (38.9%). Dissatisfaction was evident, particularly in aspects of communication and physician courtesy. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the importance of tailoring healthcare services to address the unique needs of the Deaf population. Communication barriers emerged as a central obstacle, necessitating the inclusion of sign language interpreters and improvement of resources. The study's implications extend to healthcare equity in developing nations, emphasizing the significance of patient-centered care and inclusive healthcare practices.

Communicative practices and perceptions towards stuttering people in South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  A few studies have explored the life experiences of people who stutter. Research has shown that stuttering affects a significant number of people in the population. OBJECTIVES:  The study was designed to explore the experiences of people who stutter and the perception of stuttering in South Africa. METHOD:  Four people who identified as South Africans who stutter participated in this study. The primary investigator conducted semi-structured interviews with each of the participants. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to 20 acquaintances of all the participants. Transcriptions of interviews and results of questionnaires were analysed for major and minor themes. RESULTS:  Results of this study suggest different perceptions by those who stutter and those acquainted with them. The findings of the study show that people who stutter experience communication barriers, so they adopt certain strategies to manage and cope with their speech disorder. The findings showed that stuttering has a pervasive impact on the lives of people who stutter and how they view themselves, considering negative societal views. CONCLUSION:  Evaluation of the results from the study reveals that although stuttering is a common speech disorder, many people who are less informed about it harbour various stereotypes and myths that stigmatise stuttering. This study concludes by outlining recommendations for creating awareness of stuttering. It suggests vigorous campaigns aiming at promoting a multilevel approach that extends beyond the mere social and professional understanding of stuttering but addresses the inherent perceptions, myths, and stereotypes around stuttering.Contribution: Experiences of people who stutter and perceptions towards stuttering can help to better understand the speech disorder and overcome myths and stereotyping of stuttering.

Dental Services and their Awareness and Utilization among the Health Care Workers in a South Indian District - A Cross Sectional Study.

Aim: The present research was carried out to evaluate the amount of usage of dental care opportunities and also to assess the problems faced by health care workers (HCWs) of a south Indian district in using dental services. Methodology: This study had around 500 participants who belonged from various health care sectors who were selected with the help of multistage sampling. The data obtained from this cross-sectional research was analysed statistically using SPSS 22.0. Results: It was noticed that around 35% of participants went for a dentist's appointment in past 1 year where male members predominated (45%). One of the commonest reasons for utilizing dental care services was pain as an dental emergency factor (70%). Other reasons were dental caries (18%) restoration, breakage of tooth (10%) and a host of other factors (11%). Around 350 participants felt that going to the dentist was only necessary when there was an emergency (61%). Conclusion: The target population less frequently visited the dentist to maintain their teeth as they believed when you have pain, that is the time you go to a dental specialist.

Video interpretation in a medical spine clinic: A descriptive study of a diverse population and intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Back pain is one of the most challenging health conditions to manage. Healthcare providers face additional challenges when managing back pain for patients with culturally diverse backgrounds including addressing linguistic barriers and understanding patients' cultural beliefs about pain and healthcare. Knowledge about patients with culturally diverse backgrounds experiencing back pain and the interventions available to them is limited. Therefore, this study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with culturally diverse backgrounds experiencing back pain and the video interpretation intervention offered to them and further to explore the clinician's perspective on this intervention. METHODS: Data were collected from the electronic medical records and the Interpreter Gateway. Four clinicians participated in a group interview, where they described and evaluated the video interpretation intervention in detail inspired by the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. RESULTS: A total of 119 (68%) patients accepted the intervention (53% women, mean 44 years). These patients represent 24 different languages, with 50% having at least one hospital-registered diagnosis and a mean number of five outpatient contacts, 1 year before receiving the intervention. Fifty-seven patients did not accept the intervention and declined interpretation or opted to use relatives or through video conferencing equipment. The intervention was positively evaluated by the clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: The detailed description of the population and the intervention together with the clinician perspective provides a valuable foundation for developing and refining similar interventions, allocating resources, and designing future research studies. The intervention consisted of a consultation lasting up to 2 h delivered by a rheumatologist and a physiotherapist, with a remote interpreter connected.

Addressing Language Barriers in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case-Based Reflection and Brief Appraisal of the Literature.

At present, a substantial number of individuals in the US face limited English proficiency (LEP), posing difficulties for healthcare providers. Language barriers between healthcare providers and patients can lead to poor quality of care, especially in patients with hyperacute conditions such as stroke, myocardial infarction, acute trauma, and more. In the intensive care unit (ICU), diagnosis and rapid treatment decision-making rely on taking an accurate patient history and physical exam. While in-person interpreters are the gold standard for patients with LEP, the fast-paced nature of the ICU may require alternate modes of using interpreting services to fit ICU workflows. We present a case-based reflection of a patient with LEP who presented to our ICU after a motor vehicle accident. We present this case from the perspective of a third-year medical student caring for a patient while rotating in an ICU service. We illustrate how language interpretation impacted the patient's care. We conclude by appraising the ICU literature and providing solutions to addressing language barriers for ICU patients with LEP to deliver patient-centered, high-quality care.

Impact of an Oral Health Education Program on the Oral Health Literacy of Refugees.

Inadequate comprehension of healthcare information contributes to poor health outcomes. Ethnic minorities are one of the populations most affected by low health and oral health literacy (OHL). The hypothesis of the current study was that an oral health education program (OHEP) can improve the OHL, oral health awareness and behaviors of refugees. We also hypothesized that there will be a difference between OHL in English and native language in the Pre-intervention phase. Fifty-two adult refugees participated in an educational program that included a comprehensive and culturally sensitive PowerPoint presentation and hands-on learning activities on oral health topics. The study used a cross-sectional pre-post study design. Before the program (Pre-intervention group), participants completed 2 surveys: Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees in a bilingual format, and the Estimate of Oral Health Literacy-Bilingual40 (EOHL-BL40) in English, and in the participants' native language. Immediately after an OHEP (Post-intervention group), participants completed the EOHL-BL40 survey in English only. Two weeks after OHEP (Follow-up intervention), participants completed again the Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees and the Estimate of Oral Health Literacy-Bilingual40 (EOHL-BL40) in English only. The mean percentage of words understood on Pre-intervention EOHL-BL40 survey were significantly higher in native languages (47.3% ±3.7%) compared with survey in English (15.3% ±1.2%, P < 0.001). Post-intervention scores, immediately after educational program, were higher (28.6% ±2.4%), P < 0.001) for survey in English compared with the Pre-intervention (15.3% ±1.2%). The follow-up (2 weeks later) scores (25.5% ±2.4) were slightly lower than Post-intervention but still significantly higher (P < 0.001) than Pre-intervention. Results for both Sociodemographic Survey and Oral Health Perceptions of Refugees surveys were similar: the OHEP positively affected oral health awareness and oral health behaviors. Results of the study suggested that OHEP may improve oral health literacy, oral health awareness, and personal oral hygiene practices of refugees.

Machine Translation for Multilingual Cancer Patient Education: Bridging Languages, Navigating Challenges.

This commentary evaluates the use of machine translation for multilingual patienteducation in oncology. It critically examines the balance between technologicalbenefits in language accessibility and the potential for increasing healthcare disparities.The analysis emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to translation thatincorporates linguistic accuracy, medical clarity, and cultural relevance. Additionally, ithighlights the ethical considerations of digital literacy and access, underscoring theimportance of equitable patient education. This contribution seeks to advance thediscussion on the thoughtful integration of technology in healthcare communication,focusing on maintaining high standards of equity, quality, and patient care.

Communication challenges caused by wearing masks and strategies used by pediatric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of facemasks have caused many communication challenges for pediatric nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate these challenges and the strategies that nurses use to overcome them during the nursing care of sick children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis. The nurses were selected by purpose-based sampling and interviewed semi-structurally between April and June 2023 at the Children's Educational Therapy Center in Tabriz, Iran. The sample size was determined by the data saturation principle. The report of this research followed the COREQ guidelines. RESULTS: Twelve nurses were interviewed. The analysis revealed four main categories: "Disturbances in communication", "Disturbances in trust", "Disturbances in providing care", and "Nurses' strategies to mitigate the challenges of mask usage. To solve the challenges caused by the mask, nurses used solutions such as removing the mask and mitigating the adverse effects of mask usage they used. The central theme of the study was "Humanistic care requires trust-based communication". CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the communication challenges faced by pediatric nurses due to mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, nurses have developed innovative strategies to improve communication and build trust with their young patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these strategies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These strategies can be useful for other nurses who work with children in similar conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these strategies in different settings and populations.

Knowledge, practice and communication barriers for oncology doctors in Chile when addressing the sexuality of their patients.

Introduction: Communication in a doctor-patient relationship constitutes a crucial aspect in medicine, and its multiple dimensions encompass a wide variety of ethical issues. Communication is particularly relevant in oncology, because it requires continually dealing with sensitive topics in one of the most highly vulnerable situations as a human: illness and proximity to death. Sexuality is one of these topics because it constitutes an area that is frequently affected by cancer and cancer treatment, which may include causing significant distress, the reinforcement of a negative self-image, relationship conflicts and a permanent memory of having cancer. The objective of this research is to describe the perception of knowledge and communications practices used by oncology doctors with respect to sexual health in the care of their patients, as well as the barriers found when it comes to confronting the topic. Methods: An exploratory quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in which a self-administered questionnaire was given to oncology doctors who practise in Chile. This questionnaire had 41 closed questions with answers on a Likert scale and was previously validated by being reviewed and applied to a pilot group of five professionals (one medical bioethics expert and four doctors in the field of oncology). The data were analysed with the SPSS statistical program v. 20, using descriptive statistics. Results: The main results show that the surveyed doctors consider sexuality to be an important part of patients' quality of life. However, this finding does not align with the practices given for including it as part of clinical care. The professionals refer as the main barriers those that are attributed to the structural functioning of the institution, giving little value to those barriers related to personal aspects or those associated with patient characteristics and/or behaviors. Conclusion: The results of this study show that, despite oncology doctors seeing sexuality as an important aspect of the quality of life of their patients, they do not include the topic in clinical care. Given that one of the main barriers is obstacles relating to the institution, it is necessary to create political institutions that create the conditions for including this area as a relevant part of cancer patient care.

Communicative impairment and its neural correlates in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.

OBJECTIVE: Communication skills can deteriorate in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD); however, their clinical assessment and treatment in patient care can be challenging. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the distinctive communication resources and barriers reported by patients and their relatives in AD and FTD and associated these communicative characteristics with clinical parameters, such as the degree of cognitive impairment and atrophy in language-associated brain areas. METHODS: We assessed self-reported communication barriers and resources in 33 individuals with AD and FTD through an interview on daily-life communication, using the Aachener KOMPASS questionnaire. We correlated reported communication barriers and resources with atrophy from high-resolution 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological assessment, and neurodegenerative markers from cerebrospinal fluid. RESULTS: Communicative impairment was higher in FTD compared to AD. Increased reported communication barriers in our whole sample were associated with the atrophy rate in the left middle temporal lobe, a critical site within the neuronal language network, and with depressive symptoms as well as the semantic word fluency from neuropsychological assessment. The best model for prediction of communicative impairment included the diagnosis (AD or FTD), semantic word fluency, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that communication barriers and resources can be successfully assessed via a structured interview based on self-report and report of patients' relatives in practice and are reflected in neuroimaging specific for AD and FTD as well as in further clinical parameters specific for these neurodegenerative diseases. This can potentially open new treatment options for clinical practice and patient care.

Interpretation services used for non-English language speaking patients with head and neck cancer: Findings from a tertiary London cancer centre.

Background: Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to profound changes in swallowing function and nutrition. UK HNC standards recommend informational counselling is provided pre-treatment by the dietitian and speech and language therapist (SLT). Non-english speaking patients treated in English speaking countries have poorer treatment outcomes. UK guidance recommends all patients should have access to interpretation services where required. This audit aimed to investigate the language needs and utilisation of interpretation services for patients with HNC attending pre-treatment clinics. Methods: A retrospective casenote audit over two-years (2021-2023) of all patients attending pre-treatment clinics in a centralised London cancer centre. Information was collected from electronic hospital records on demographics, disease/treatment characteristics, first language; categorised as English primary language (EPL), non-English primary language (NEPL) and interpretation requirements; formal (professional interpreters) or informal (patients friends/relatives). Data was processed and collated using Microsoft Excel (Version 2308). Descriptive statistics were conducted using Excel Analysis ToolPak. Results: 408 patients were included. Most patients were male (67%), aged 61 ± 13 years. 18% (n = 74) had NEPL; 58 required interpretation services. Formal interpretation service was provided in 43% (n = 25), informal services in 33% (n = 19), and no service in 24% (n = 14). Non-adherence to formal services included lack of/inaccurate documentation of language needs, patient preference and lack of available interpreters. Conclusion: This audit indicated that barriers exist in utilising formal interpretation services. Future research should investigate how this can be optimised to ensure necessary language support is provided consistent with guidelines that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Accelerating the open research agenda to solve global challenges.

Harnessing science-based policy is key to addressing global challenges like the biodiversity and climate crises. Open research principles underpin effective science-based policy, but the uptake of these principles is likely constrained by the politicisation, commoditisation and conflicting motives of stakeholders in the research landscape. Here, using the mission and vision statements from 129 stakeholders from across the research landscape, we explore alignment in open research principles between stakeholders. We find poor alignment between stakeholders, largely focussed around journals, societies and funders, all of which have low open research language-use. We argue that this poor alignment stifles knowledge flow within the research landscape, ultimately limiting the mobilisation of impactful science-based policy. We offer recommendations on how the research landscape could embrace open research principles to accelerate societies' ability to solve global challenges.