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Maria Victoria Abad Rabat

Welcome to Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings! This course is structured in four modules, each one revolving on a topic related to the physician-patient interaction. Each module contains four lessons; on grammar, vocabulary, the dynamics of the spoken interaction, and aspects of sociocultural relevance. The video lessons are unlike regular “lectures” in which you are just listening. Instead, you should think of them as virtual classes where you are supposed to reflect, complete activities, and even get extra practice on your own time. The videos are a roadmap that will provide what you need to complete the activities on the student handout. Each module is followed by a 10-question quiz. It is important that you complete the lessons sequentially, as they build upon each other.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course
During this module you will meet the instructors, review course outline, and discuss grading and the course requirements.
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The Doctor-Patient Interview
In this module, we will learn general linguistic strategies that are applicable to any exchange of information between a health provider and a patient, by focusing on examples from routine interviews. We will start by learning a few useful grammar tips that will help you formulate questions correctly in Spanish. Then, you will expand your vocabulary with names for basic body parts and important organs, and you will hear some of them used in an authentic context. In the third lesson, we will discuss strategies to display active listenership in Spanish, that is, showing that you are listening attentively and that you care. This is a key aspect in spoken interaction, and you will be able to apply it to countless conversations. We will conclude the module by identifying some key elements that will help you determine which form you should use to address different individuals. Addressing people with the right form in Spanish (“tú” or “usted”) is extremely important for native speakers of Spanish. For example, in the case of adults, the correct form will be interpreted as a sign of respect, while but choosing incorrectly will be perceived as disrespectful, and may hinder the establishment of a good provider-patient relationship.
The Physical Examination
In this module, we will focus on the language that is used in general during a medical exam. We will start by learning a common grammatical structure used to give instructions; the imperative tense. However, by listening to an audio recording, we will learn that, in reality, other structures are used as well achieving the same results. Then, since you will already know basic anatomy in Spanish, you will expand your vocabulary with names for symptoms of common affections, such as a cold and the flu, and you will hear some of them used in an authentic context. In the third lesson, we will discuss a variety of linguistic resources you can use in order to make a patient feel more comfortable and respected during any medical examination. For example, you will hear a health provider use polite expressions and give a heads-up before touching the patient during a routine check-up. We will conclude the module by learning some keys to a common way of speaking to the youngest interlocutors, the children, that will allow you to show affection and warmth. Throughout this module, you will also have plenty of opportunities to apply the abilities learned in the previous lessons.
Explaining a Treatment or Procedure
In this module, we will focus on the way in which procedures and treatments can be described most effectively in Spanish. We will start by learning different expressions that are used to add details when explaining how a certain treatment or procedure should be done. In particular, you will learn different ways to talk about the manner, the time, and the amount or frequency. You will hear some of them used in an authentic context. To end the lesson, we will review adverbial expressions of location, which you will be able to use in many situations. Then, you will expand your vocabulary with basic names for drug groups (e.g. analgesic) and their different presentation (e.g. drops). In the third lesson, we will discuss how collaboration is apparent during consultations where there is a good relationship between the health provider and the patient. Two examples you will hear are overlaps while speaking and shared laughter. In this lesson, you will also learn different conversational resources that encourage trust and help guide the conversation to make shared decisions, as opposed to a paternalistic style. We will conclude the module by learning different strategies you can use to adapt your speech -i.e. your register- to your patient. In fact, being able to change your register to match that of your interlocutor -when necessary and appropriate- will make your communication more effective.
Solving Communication Difficulties
In this module, we will focus on identifying and solving frequent obstacles that arise in conversation. We will start by looking into different uses of pronouns, the words that can replace nouns in a sentence avoiding unnecessary repetition. In particular, we will focus on personal pronouns. As you will see, pronouns are used to refer to something or someone already mentioned elsewhere and, when used correctly, they prevent misunderstandings. Certainly, pronouns make communication both more efficient and effective. In this module, you will expand your vocabulary with names for some frequent diagnostic tests, and you will listen to a very interesting patient consultation. In the third lesson, we will discuss two types of obstacles that you are likely to encounter in any conversation; when you don’t understand your interlocutor completely, and when your interlocutor seems to have a hard time understanding you. Next, you will learn different strategies you can use to remediate both situations. We will conclude the module by noticing cues in conversation that will help you identify the sociocultural and socioeconomic profile of your patient. The goal of this lesson is to make you aware of the role that these variables play in every interaction and to give you tools to react appropriately to the information you are given.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Aborda el lenguaje y la comunicación médica en español, lo que es esencial para los profesionales de la salud que interactúan con pacientes hispanohablantes
Cubre aspectos gramaticales, vocabulario y estrategias de comunicación específicas para el contexto médico
Los instructores son expertos en lingüística y comunicación en el ámbito de la salud, lo que garantiza la precisión y relevancia de los contenidos
Proporciona actividades prácticas y ejercicios para desarrollar habilidades lingüísticas y de comunicación
Incluye estrategias para abordar diferencias culturales y socioeconómicas en las interacciones con pacientes, lo que promueve la comunicación efectiva
El curso está estructurado en módulos con lecciones breves y manejables, facilitando el aprendizaje y la retención de información

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Reviews summary

Spanish for healthcare communication

The 'Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings' course offers effective language-learning strategies for healthcare professionals. Taught by an experienced instructor, it covers essential medical vocabulary, grammar, and patient communication skills. Catering to intermediate Spanish speakers, this course prepares learners to confidently navigate healthcare conversations, regardless of their background or experience.
Assumes prior knowledge of Spanish, targeting intermediate/advanced learners
"Excellent, aimed at those with intermediate Spanish."
"Knowledge of spanish lanugage is required for this course."
Attention to cultural background and psychosocial factors in communication
"Goes into the nuances of communicating with patients and colleagues in a healthcare setting, such as taking account into patient age, cultural background, psychosocial concerns, etc."
Exemplary instructor with clear explanations and helpful handouts
"I really liked the instructor and her handouts. I can go back to the handouts every time I need them."
"The Professora, Maria Victoria Abad Rabat, was an excellent teacher (with a lovely madrileño accent)."
Valuable insights and useful ideas for enhanced patient care
"Seamless mixture of language learning with the conversational concepts that any medical professional might need."
"The structure, presentation format of this course is outstanding."
Invaluable recordings of real-life conversations for improved understanding
"The recordings of actual patient-doctor interviews in spanish (with either native or non-native healthcare providers) was unique and invaluable"
"The authentic audio along with the transcriptions were the most helpful parts of the course for me personally."
Audio issues in some patient-doctor interaction recordings
"Las grabaciones entre los doctores y las pacientes casi no pude oir."
Insufficient emphasis on medical vocabulary expansion
"The course is good. There is a lot of information given. I would have preferred smaller pieces of information and maybe some links to some practice exercises on the grammar points."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings with these activities:
Organize course notes and materials
Improve retention and organization by consolidating course notes and materials into a structured format.
Show steps
  • Gather all course notes, handouts, and resources
  • Review and整理 the materials
  • Create a system for organizing the information
Seek mentorship from a Spanish-speaking medical professional
Connect with a Spanish-speaking medical professional to gain practical insights and guidance in applying your skills.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors
  • Reach out to your desired mentor
  • Establish regular communication and guidance
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Medical Interpreter
Medical Interpreters facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers who do not speak the same language. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a strong foundation in the language skills needed to interpret accurately and effectively. It can also help Medical Interpreters learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help patients regain or improve their mobility and function. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Physical Therapists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help patients regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Occupational Therapists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Chiropractors learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Medical Assistants learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician. They can perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and more. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Physician Assistants learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Social Worker
Social Workers help patients and their families cope with the social and emotional challenges of illness and injury. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Social Workers learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Massage Therapists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and their families, and administer medications. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Registered Nurses learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Speech-Language Pathologists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Pharmacists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists diagnose and treat health conditions by inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Acupuncturists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. It can also help Dentists learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence patient care.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to underserved communities. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking communities. It can also help Community Health Workers learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence health behavior.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease. Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings can help build a foundation in the language skills needed to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking communities. It can also help Health Educators learn about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that can influence health behavior.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Spanish for Successful Communication in Healthcare Settings.
Este libro se centra en las habilidades sociales esenciales para los profesionales de la salud, como la empatía, la asertividad y la resolución de conflictos. Ofrece estrategias para desarrollar estas habilidades y mejorar las interacciones con los pacientes, colegas y otros miembros del equipo sanitario.
Este diccionario es una referencia esencial para estudiantes y profesionales de la salud que necesitan comprender términos médicos en español. Proporciona definiciones claras y concisas, así como ejemplos de uso.
Este libro proporciona una base en terminología médica, cubriendo conceptos básicos como anatomía, fisiología y enfermedades. Ayuda a los estudiantes a comprender y utilizar el vocabulario técnico utilizado en entornos sanitarios.
Este libro explora la relación entre cultura y salud. Proporciona información sobre cómo las creencias y prácticas culturales influyen en la salud y la enfermedad.
Provides a guide to communicating with patients with limited English proficiency. It covers topics such as using interpreters, using visual aids, and speaking clearly and slowly.
Este libro ofrece una guía paso a paso para redactar informes médicos claros y concisos. Cubre temas como la estructura del informe, el uso del lenguaje y las cuestiones éticas.

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