Polish Journal of English Studies (Jun 2024)
Usage of English in Healthcare Settings: A Study on Patients’ Experiences and Language Preference in Bangladesh
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of English on patients’ experiences in healthcare settings in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted among the patients to explore their English proficiency levels, comfort, and language preferences in medical settings. Statistical analyses showed a highly significant correlation between English proficiency and comfort level (r = 0.797, p < 0.001), indicating that individuals with higher English proficiency levels felt more comfortable receiving medical services. It is important to note that other factors contributed to this relationship. The study also found that women reported lower levels of comfort with medical documents and drug labelling in English (t(48) = 2.770, p < 0.05). Additionally, level of education was found to be a significant factor influencing comfort levels (F(5.44) = 7.85, p < 0.001), with individuals with lower levels of education reporting more discomfort. Furthermore, this study provides strong evidence supporting a distinct preference for the native language Bangla in medical communication (χ2(2) = 38.680, p < 0.001), particularly among individuals with lower levels of education. These findings emphasize the urgent need to implement healthcare policy improvements in Bangladesh that actively promote and foster native languages. This would ensure that all patients, regardless of their language proficiency or demographic background, receive equitable high-quality care in healthcare settings. Moreover, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse and discussion surrounding healthcare communication in multilingual societies, and strongly advocates the implementation of policies that prioritize and accommodate the linguistic preferences of patients.
