A Basic Spanish Language Template for the Upper Extremity Patient Encounter

Abstract

Effective communication is fundamental to the quality and safety of healthcare. In the U.S., language and cultural differences combined with low health literacy are challenges that physicians must overcome. The Spanish-speaking patient population continues to grow and is disproportionately affected by this, with 25% speaking little to no English. In our hand and upper extremity surgery practice, a common problem arises both with verbal Spanish communication and with the physical exam. The hand and upper extremity examination requires a high level of patient involvement to elucidate subtle derangements in individual tendon or nerve function. Our purpose is to summarize a model upper extremity clinical encounter in Spanish and provide a guide for patient-physician interaction, particularly during the physical exam where visual aids can be more useful than simple verbal commands. This guide is a simple step towards enhanced communication and understanding between providers and patients, with the goal of providing higher quality care with greater efficiency and satisfaction. The purpose is not to replace the professional interpreter, but to augment the physician-patient interaction during the upper extremity clinical encounter. Incorporating a cross-language template may yield improved patient understanding, enhanced participation in the examination leading to better diagnosis, and improved satisfaction for both patient and provider.