Language issues in the community pharmacy: A perspective from Wales

Abstract

This study of Welsh speakers indicates that language choice is important for bilingual people who may prefer to use their native, minority language for consultation with health professionals. Further, it is clear that a concordant partnership between patient and pharmacist is less likely where one party is using a language with which they are not confident or comfortable. Pharmacists need to be aware of the linguistic needs and preferences of bilingual clients.

Social Exclusion Among Official Language Minority Older Adults: A Rapid Review of the Literature in Canada, Finland and Wales

“…Experiences of cultural exclusion among older Welsh adults has been reported to stem from conflicts between cultural identity and prevailing norms, values and behaviours, which could further cause a decline in sense of belonging, safety, life satisfaction and community cohesion (Winter & Burholt, 2018). The use of the Welsh language has been reported to play a central part in the Welsh identity and community cohesion, and Welsh-speaking older adults have reported that the ability to use one's own language feels more comfortable and "homely", for example, in service situations (Burholt & Naylor, 2005;Hughes et al 2009). Connections between linguistic barriers and social isolation were made in previous research (Martin et al 2018).…”

“…Among the Welsh studies falling into the societal conditions domain, experiences of language barriers as well as cultural and linguistic congruency were highlighted (Day et al 2010;40;Hughes et al 2009;Martin et al 2018). Lack of services in one's native language and communication barriers when accessing services were reported to be strong predictors for decreased well-being, inappropriate care and misunderstandings -especially among older adults with a dementia diagnosis (Martin et al 2018).…”

Confronting inequities: A scoping review of the literature on pharmacist practice and health-related disparities

“…More specifically, this 248 latter area of research on health care disparities has examined racial/ethnicity differences in 249 immunization rates and other clinical services, 74,[92][93][94][95] reduced access to pharmacies, medications, 250 or services, particularly within rural or poor urban areas, [96][97][98][99] service gaps related to language or 251 health literacy supports, [100][101][102][103][104] or a general lack of interest/willingness of pharmacists to work in 252 underserved areas. 105 Again, there is a body of aligned literature not using the language of 253 disparity, but which shares a focus on service gaps related to provision of accessible labels, 254 services to non-English speaking populations, those with limited literacy, [106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119] or the availability 255 of a full range of medications and/or pharmacy supports in underserved communities. 120,121 M A N U S C R I P T…”

“…75 In 268 contrast to quantitative work, which often focus on specific dimensions (i.e., knowledge, 269 attitudes), the qualitative studies take a more in-depth look at pharmacists' experiences related to 270 particular patient populations, including their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions 271 related to working with patients (or potential patients). Notably, although some scholars have 272 examined the patient perspective through surveys e.g.,42, 70,72,81,95,107 and interviews or focus 273 groups, 32,69,77,113,119 or a combinations of methods, 110,116 focused study of patient attitudes, 274 understandings and experiences are less common within this literature. 275…”

“…A small portion of the literature on accessibility of services overlaps with 357 work on adequacy in terms of population focus, but more often considers the availability of 358 translation services for people with limited English proficiency 100,[102][103][104]106,110,111,115,[117][118][119] or 359 clear communication (including language, visual supports) for people with limited literacy/health 360 literacy. 78,101,107,109,[112][113][114]116 Also addressed are deficits in culturally competent services for those 361 in non-dominant cultural communities 81,108 and logistical service constraints, including 362 "medication deserts" (i.e., limited pharmacy hours, insufficient medication stocks) faced by low 363 income or rural communities.…”