Physiotherapists’ communication strategies with clients from cultural diverse backgrounds

Abstract

Language barriers may adversely affect outcomes in healthcare provision for clients from non-English speaking backgrounds. In order to assess the need for education on this topic, this study identified the strategies used by physiotherapists to communicate with clients who have limited English proficiency. Detailed interviews and observations were conducted at three hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Six physiotherapists were interviewed and the clinical practice of several others was observed. Despite recommendations by the health authorities to use Healthcare Interpreters when communicating with clients who do not speak English, the results showed physiotherapists frequently used other communication strategies. These strategies included family interpreters, non-verbal communication, simplified English, simplified community language and bilingual staff. With the exception of professional interpreters, physiotherapists need to be aware that many communication methods used with clients whose comprehe...