Communication with African Patients. The Reality in the Hospitals of Southern Spain

ObjectivesTo assess communication barriers between healthcare providers and African patients.MethodFollowing the Grounded Theory.ResultsThere were 31 resulting categories which were organized under two main categories: non-professional interpreters and no communication/translation.DiscussionThe use of non-professional interpreters has negative consequences which should be taken into account. The lack of translation intrudes on the patient's principle of autonomy as they cannot understand the information about their situation and hence cannot take part in the decision making process. The new multicultural reality requires the presence of professionals having the necessary tools to overcome the increasing language barriers.