Module 5: Overcoming language barriers

1. Reflective Practice

'It's less rewarding to care for women who don't speak the same language as me.' Do you agree or disagree? Please say why.

2. Reflective Practice

A pregnant Pakistani woman reported her experience of antenatal care at a hospital in the UK: "I never understood what they were on about...I used to go home and cry my head off, I did not know what they were saying?"(6)

What might the emotional impact have been of not understanding and not being understood?

What might the impact have been on the speaker's attendance for antenatal care?

What might the impact have been on the quality of care she received?

What might the impact have been on the outcome of her pregnancy?

5. Reflective Practice

Having read the practice example, what communication issues are raised by this woman's account of her labour?