Implementing a spinal information video to bridge language barriers and the impact on anxiety

What is it about?

In South Africa a language barrier often exists between patients and their doctors. In the Western Cape, patients predominantly speak Xhosa and the doctors English. This study used healthcare worker smartphones to display a Xhosa-narrated patient information video on spinal anesthesia for caesarean section to Xhosa patients. The information video was easily implemented, well accepted by patients, and was associated with a reduction in anxiety in anxious patients.

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Why is it important?

This study explores the use of anaesthesia information videos to overcome language barriers, as well as the novel application of smartphones as a display medium. Since almost all healthcare workers own smartphones, this technique may be used worldwide to overcome disparities in doctor-patient communication.