Language and cultural mediation

Good communication between patients, medical staff and other people involved in TB care (social services, pharmacies, etc.) is a fundamental condition for successful treatment. This must therefore be guaranteed despite language barriers and the often complex life situation of patients. However, the question of patients' German language skills is only one relevant aspect. Medical terminology, drug names and administrative procedures, which are important in the context of the lengthy treatment of tuberculosis, can also present considerable communication hurdles - even if these are hardly noticed by the specialist staff themselves, who routinely deal with them. Added to this are culturally and socially influenced ideas, fears and prejudices about the disease, sick people or even medical facilities. All of this must be taken into account in TB care. Particularly with regard to language and patient-centered communication, no patient should be left behind.

Project goals

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Establishing the appropriate use of language and cultural mediation

Together with the project partners, possibilities for the appropriate, patient-related and efficient use of language and cultural mediation are to be established in the competence network.  

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Sustainable increase in treatment adherence in TB by improving patient-centered care and communication

The aim is to increase the rate of successfully treated patients with tuberculosis by systematically improving communication.

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Promotion of patient-related language mediation and communication in general

In cooperation with other partners and initiatives, the experience gained in the field of tuberculosis should contribute to the promotion of patient-related language mediation and communication in the general healthcare sector.  

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Measures

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Overview and analysis of available language and cultural mediation services

The various forms of language and cultural mediation established in Germany in the healthcare sector (face-to-face, telephone or video interpreting, AI-supported approaches) are compiled and systematically analyzed with regard to prerequisites (e.g. structural, technical), practicability, strengths and weaknesses, as well as economic issues.  

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Development of standards and practical tips for application

Based on an overview and analysis, standardized procedures (SOPs), application notes, information and training courses are developed.

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Model implementation and evaluation
The use of the various forms of language and cultural mediation in the network is evaluated on an ongoing basis in order to present and make available increasingly better information, advice and services to all those involved. All information is also presented to the interested public via the central No1Lost internet platform.