Important factors when communicating with Sami patients about health, illness and care issues
Sammanfattning
Communication is essential for the provision of competent nursing care. The purpose of this study is to explore how Sami describe communication in encounters with health care providers, when talking about health, illness, and care, as well as important factors in this context. Semi-structured interviews of eleven Sami participants in northern Norway were conducted in North-Sami language, subsequently transcribed, and translated into Norwegian. There were men (n=2) and woman (n=9), young and elders which either have been patients or next of kin, or both, in encounter with health care providers. Their stories were from GP`s office and hospitals. Our study found that the Sami communicate in a circular and unique way about health issues, and that sufficient time is essential in conversations. Healthcare providers must be aware of this and 'beat around the bush' when asking questions, approaching private or sensitive issues indirectly. According to the respondents, the use of Sami language in encounters with healthcare staff expressed a confirmation of their Sami identity, and that interpretation service is required during talks about health issues. Some of the participants turned the question around and placed the need for interpretation services with the healthcare providers instead, arguing that the Sami do not need interpretation services, but the health care providers do. They maintained that interpretation services were set up to help healthcare providers fulfill their statutory healthcare duties to Sami patients. Use of Sami language in healthcare helps to ensure comfort, safety and respect, and thereby promotes health and helps to create a safe environment.