Communication in Healthcare Sector, Research Paper Example

The policies or systems that exist for people with communication difficulties in Ireland include introduction of a 24-hour interpretation service. The provision of this service to such people in hospitals enhances the provision of health care services. It is worth noting that the resources such as provision of interpreters and information booklets are available for people with communication difficulties. This helps fight communication barriers for such people. These groups include the Irish Hard Hearing (IHA) Association, and Irish Deaf Society (IDS). Their core objectives strive to promote the welfare and interests of people with communication disabilities through the provision of on-site translators to enhance provision of healthcare services.

The system is not efficient to satisfy the needs of such people since they lack adequate funds to provide the required services. Technological barriers exist in some instances where the translator is not able to understand the terms used by medical practitioners. In some cases, the patients may decide to find an interpreter who may not understand them. This will deter them from the reception of quality health care. In case of prescriptions, visually impaired patients might not find the right person to assist in taking the medication (Beiser 24).

Some countries such as Denmark have better systems for dealing with this group of people and Ireland can learn a lesson from them. In Denmark, interpreting service provided by a qualified interpreter is available freely to the blind and deaf to access healthcare, education, and justice. The Danish government has a unique service provided to people with communication difficulties as provided by law to a ‘contact’ person paid for by the government.

Works Cited

Beiser, Mellisa and Stewart, Moore. “Reducing health disparities: a priority for Ireland.” Irish Journal of Public Health. 96 (Supplement), (2005): 24-25.

Danish Government. Disability Act. Available: www.clh.dk/pjecer/danskhandicappolitik/disabilitypolicy.doc (2006). (Accessed 22nd Aug. 2008).