Communication challenges experienced in Lesotho clinics where physicians limitedly speak both the community language and Lingua Franca
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study was aimed at exploring the challenges experienced by healthcare providers and patients in two clinics in Lesotho, staffed with physicians who limitedly speak both the community language and the lingua franca. Using a case study approach, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observations were used to collect participants' experiences in consultations. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results show that all groups of participants experience challenges with communication in the consultation. Doctors and patients cannot be certain of the accuracy of the information, while interpreters find the role as burdensome and challenging. These challenges emanate from the triadic nature of consultations and physicians' limited knowledge of both the community culture and language. The study concluded that language discordant consultations are problematic, so there is a need for formal provision of language services in multilingual health centres.
DOI: 10.14749/30052234
Author: Human Sciences Research Council
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Human Sciences Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7080014402
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: