Kauvery Kathaigal : 2
An Article of Faith: Breaking Barriers for a Fellow Soldier
Patient: 26-year-old soldier
Diagnosis: Echo machine screen showed his heart immersed in water.
Patient's Story
When he saw on screen of the Echo machine his heart immersed in water, he could not understand what happened. He spoke only his language, and I was requested to help make him understand that the water needs to be tapped and tested to find the cause. Fortunately, I spoke his language fluently. I explained to him that the fluid shall be tapped most carefully under guidance of imaging technology and examined. That would help us to determine his treatment, and he shall soon be back at work protecting the assets of the country.
Discussion
The patient faced a critical medical situation compounded by a communication barrier, as he could not understand what happened to his heart i. Translating the medical necessity—that the water needs to be tapped and tested—required not only language proficiency, but knowledge of his dialect to establish trust.
Conclusion
The clear communication helped to determine his treatment, ensuring that the patient felt supported ,soldier to soldier. This encounter reinforces that clear communication is an “article of faith” and a promise that shall be kept to return him safely to protecting the assets of the country.
Speaking a patient’s language fluently is vital to establish trust and explain the diagnosis.
