I
t can be challenging to con-
nect with patients or family
members who have hearing
or vision impairment, or have
limited English proficiency, espe-
cially if staff don't have the auxil-
iary aides necessary to communi-
cate effectively. That's why we
created "Communication in a
Box" kits, which contain every-
thing from amplifier attachments
for mobile phones to magnifying
glasses and masks with windows
for individuals who read lips (see
"A Clear Communication
Upgrade" on page 12). The carts
also include language cards that
display commonly used phrases
in a variety of languages —
including Spanish, Arabic and
Hindi — access to an 800 num-
ber interpretation service and an
iPad mounted on a flexible neck
that we use for remote access to
interpreters. The carts with the
mounted iPads attached cost
around $2,000, the aides run
about $500 and both the 800
number and the video interpreta-
tion service are pay-per-use.
Katy Trapp, BSN, RN-BC
Sentara Center for
Healthcare Ethics
Virginia Beach, Va.
kjkutzo@sentara.com
F
E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 9
CLEAR CONNECTION
Stock Carts to Solve Communication Difficulties
MOBILE DEVICES Patient Advocate Rachel Fobbs displays language cards and other aids that help staff relate to
patients.
Dale
Gauding/Sentara
Healthcare