College joins forces with Speak My Language to record dermatology focussed podcasts in eight different languages.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists has launched a series of multilingual podcasts aimed at overcoming cultural differences and language barriers which can be a “major obstacle” for patients seeking healthcare for skin diseases and conditions.
And it appears they have tapped into an area of unmet need – in just over a week since the podcasts were launched, they have been accessed more than 200 times.
The podcasts, titled ‘Caring for the Skin You’re In’, were recorded in eight different languages and feature dermatologists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds discussing the impact skin, hair and nail conditions can have, and how to access the appropriate healthcare.
College president Dr Clare Tait told Dermatology Republic that cultural differences and language barriers could be a major obstacle at all stages of a patient seeking healthcare.
“A lack of understanding that it is appropriate to seek medical help for skin, hair and nail conditions and that they are not ‘just cosmetic issues’, can be a significant barrier,” she said.
“Disorders that affect our appearance often have an additional emotional element and that may vary according to the cultural and social setting. It is therefore essential for the dermatologist to understand how a skin, hair or nail problem is impacting on our patient’s lives, for our explanations about the condition and treatment to be fully understood and for any relevant family members to be able to be part of the discussions.
“Any difficulties in language without full and clear translations may impact on the quality of care achieved.”
The podcasts feature interviews with dermatologists in eight languages including English, Cantonese, Korean, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Turkish and Persian.
They were developed in partnership with Speak My Language (Disability) and are hosted on the ACD website, Speak My Language website and the podcast platform podbean.
“We have had a good response to the launch with the full suite of podcasts already accessed by over 200 listeners in just over a week of them being made publicly available,” Dr Tait said.
“I am very grateful to my multilingual dermatologist colleagues who have recorded the 8 podcasts and we hope they will continue to be used. We also value feedback.”
Dr Tait said dermatologists could use the podcasts to help provide care to their patients that is culturally safe and appropriate.
“The podcasts discuss how the cultural perceptions of a condition can impact the way someone experiences living with a skin, hair or nail condition and whether or not they seek medical treatment,” she said.
“They can also help to start a conversation about dispelling myths and discussing treatment options.”
Mary Karras, CEO of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW said the podcasts were important for empowering people with skin conditions.
“With advice on where to find reliable information, how to prepare for doctors’ appointments, questions to ask, and how to connect with patient support groups and other sources of information and support, they are a valuable resource for culturally and linguistically diverse Australians,” she said.
Psoriasis patient Shahbaaz Khan said seeing a dermatologist who understood her disease and how to help had given her a “light at the end of the tunnel”.
“My family and friends didn’t think it was a big deal and said it’s because I ate something or because I am doing carpet cleaning,” he said
“People tell you things that make you feel bad, like you have to stay clean, and I felt like I had to justify myself. I am clean, I’m a clean person.”
