Language and cultural mediation

Good communication between patients, medical staff, and other individuals involved in TB care (social services, pharmacies, etc.) is a fundamental prerequisite for successful treatment. This must therefore be ensured despite language barriers and the often complex life situations of patients. However, patients’ knowledge of German is only one relevant aspect. Medical terminology, drug names, and administrative procedures that are important in the context of the lengthy treatment of tuberculosis can also pose considerable communication barriers – even if these are hardly noticed by experienced professionals who deal with them on a daily basis. Added to this are culturally and socially influenced ideas, fears, and prejudices about the disease, people who are ill, and medical facilities. All of this must be taken into account in TB care. Especially with regard to language and patient-centered communication, no patient should be left behind.

Project goals

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Establishing appropriate use of language and cultural mediation

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

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Sustainable improvement of treatment adherence in TB through improved patient-centered care and communication

Systematic improvements in communication are intended to increase the rate of patients with tuberculosis who are successfully treated.

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Promotion of patient-centered language mediation and communication in general

The experience in the field of tuberculosis is intended, in cooperation with additional partners and initiatives, to contribute to promoting patient-centered language mediation and communication in the general healthcare system.  

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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 the German healthcare system (in-person, 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 considerations.  

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Development of standards and practical guidance for application

Building on the overview and analysis, standardized procedures (SOPs), application guidance, and informational and training opportunities are being developed.

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Model implementation and evaluation
The use of the various forms of language and cultural mediation within the network is continuously evaluated in order to provide all stakeholders with increasingly better information, guidance, and services. All information is also presented to the interested public via the central No1Lost online platform.