A 70-year-old patient that knows very little English was admitted to a long-term care facility. What is the best way to communicate what you are about to do during your med pass?

Using interpreter services is the best approach for effective communication with a patient who has limited proficiency in English. These services can provide professional interpreters who are trained to ensure clear and accurate communication, which is crucial in a healthcare setting to maintain patient safety and understanding.

Utilizing an interpreter not only helps convey medical information more effectively but also allows the patient to express any questions or concerns they may have. This ensures that the patient fully understands the medication process, promotes informed consent, and fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and healthcare provider.

While gestures and simplified language can aid communication to some extent, these methods may not adequately convey complex medical information or address the patient's specific needs. Writing down instructions in English would likely not be useful for a patient who knows little English since they might not understand the written language. Thus, using trained interpreter services is essential for ensuring comprehensive comprehension and effective communication with the patient.