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Effective Communications PDF Print E-mail

Good medical care depends upon effective communication between doctors and patients. Currently, hospitals face greater than ever challenges in trying to meet the needs of persons with Limited English proficiency (LEP) or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Taking this issue into consideration, the SCHA has joined the American Hospital Association and the Office for Civil Rights, of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, in their efforts to overcome those challenges and to address the growing needs of our member hospitals

The Effective Communication in Hospitals Initiative (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/specialtopics/hospitalcommunication/hecbackground.html) is a nationwide undertaking in which 14 hospitals associations, including the South Carolina Hospital Association, are currently participating. The Initiative’s link listed above provides additional information about the project including a "Questions and Answers" section.

Increasingly, issues associated with language, literacy, culture, and other aspects of diversity are being tied to quality and patient safety concerns. In our efforts to continuously support our members, SCHA has formed a task force made up of individuals from SCHA, the Office of Civil Rights, state and local government and hospital personnel who have an interest in assisting patients who do not speak English as their primary language, or who are deaf/hard of hearing.

The goals of the task force are to:

  • Develop and implement assessment tools to better understand the issues and concerns of the state's hospitals regarding effective communication with patients and their families who do not speak English as their primary language, or who are deaf/hard of hearing.
  • Identify, or develop tools, strategies, or other activities that should be undertaken to effectively improve language access for the targeted populations.
  • Share and exchange LEP materials with hospitals in other states.
  • Address LEP related health care workforce education, training and development issues.

Access to safe, quality health care for all South Carolinians is paramount. SCHA is requesting your assistance in this endeavor. If you, or someone you know, would like more information, please contact Jim Head, Senior Vice President of SCHA, at (803) 796-3080 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Together, we can make an impact that will meet the needs of our diverse populations and guarantee access to safe, quality care in our state.

The links provided through the website contain invaluable tools and free information which will help your hospital in its efforts to better communicate with its LEP and deaf/hard of hearing patients.


PowerPoint Presentations

Tools

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

  • Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
  • ADA Guidance on Communicating with Deaf/hard of Hearing Person in Hospitals
  • SC Sign Language Interpreter Referral Agencies (.doc)
  • Tips for Communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People (.doc)

Interpreters and Translator Information

Federal Websites

Federal Guidelines

Free Tools
  • "I Speak" Cards (pdf) -- Flashcards to determine which language a patient understands
  • LEP Notifiation (pdf) -- Notification of language services
  • OCJS Language Card (pdf) -- Language identification guide for law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies
  • Language Services Action Kit (pdf) -- Interpreter Services in Health Care Settings for People with Limited English Proficiency - Language Services Action Kit Updated February 2004
  • Language Services Resource Guide (pdf) -- Cross Cultural Health Care Program prepared for The National Health Law Program and The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care for healthcare providers.
Assessment Tools

Language Assistance in Health Care Settings