Communication

Communication is imperative in the environment of a hospital. When you are dealing with the health care of people, you cannot afford to have any misunderstandings. Yet, in Lia Lee's situation we notice the harmful effect poor communication can create. The cultural and language barriers made the relationship between the Lee's and the hospital tough, but not impossible. Regardless of the language barrier, there were ways the problem could have been addressed. Fadiman discusses some of these solutions, and I was pleased to know that the hospital was respecting the Hmong differences. Yet, I believe there should have been more of an effort to monitor Lia's medicine intake due to the lack of understanding on her parent's behalf. I respect the Hmong beliefs and values, but if you bring your child to a hospital, you should comply with the doctors and nurses' requests when it comes to dosage and other health-related topics. I felt like the Lee's were not understanding or compromising with the hospital, which did heavily influence the fall of their daughter's life.

This issue is prevalent at many hospitals across the country since America consists of a variety of people and cultures. Hospitals need to prepare for these situations to accommodate their patients in the best manner. Also, patients should come to hospitals with an open mind and acknowledge all of their options. Thus, the communication between patients and hospital workers can be easier.