Improving Communication for Surgical Patients With Cancer With Limited English Proficiency

Understanding the disease processes, treatments, and special needs of surgical oncology patients with barriers to communication promotes safe and accurate care. To ensure healthcare equity through language and communication access for patients at a large cancer center, perianesthesia nurses and language assistance staff formed a joint task force to improve the care of Limited English Proficient (LEP), hearing, speech, and visually impaired perioperative patients. Providing staff with current language and communication technology while educating them on proper usage promotes nursing advocacy for oncology patients with barriers to communication, encourages accurate assessments, and fosters health equity despite communication barriers (Paul, 2022).