Which of the following reflects WHO recommendations regarding language access in health care?

• A. Rely on family members for interpretation.
• B. Always provide English-only materials.
• C. Skip interpretation to save costs.
• D. Use professional interpreters, translated materials, and culturally appropriate communication.

Answer: (D)

Language access in health care means ensuring patients receive information and communication in a language they understand, in a way that respects their cultural context. The best practice, aligned with WHO recommendations, is to use professional interpreters, provide translated materials, and engage in culturally appropriate communication. This combination supports accurate understanding of diagnoses, treatment options, and informed consent, reduces the risk of miscommunication, enhances safety, and promotes equitable care for patients with limited proficiency in the dominant language. Relying on family members for interpretation can compromise accuracy, privacy, and confidentiality, and may not capture medical nuances or important safety details. Offering materials only in the dominant language excludes non-English speakers and perpetuates disparities in care. Skipping interpretation to save costs directly undermines patient safety and the quality of care, because essential information about risks, instructions, and follow-up cannot be reliably conveyed. By providing professional interpretation plus translated resources and culturally appropriate communication, health services can ensure that language barriers do not prevent people from receiving effective, safe, and respectful care.