How to handle communication with Ukrainian patients during emergencies

To handle communication with Ukrainian patients during emergencies, the key approaches include:

1. Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Crisis Support: Providing crisis intervention and moral support guided by Psychological First Aid principles can help reduce distress and build resilience for Ukrainian patients affected by emergencies. This approach prioritizes empathetic and culturally sensitive communication under stress. ¹

2. Use of Telemedicine and Mobile Applications: Telemedicine initiatives like TeleHelp Ukraine provide remote access to emergency medical services and specialist consultations, overcoming geographic and infrastructure barriers. Mobile apps designed for Ukrainian health providers also facilitate communication and sharing of critical medical information in emergency care. ^{2, 3}

3. Language and Cultural Sensitivity: Ukrainian patients often speak Ukrainian or Russian, so communication must account for language barriers. Employing translators or bilingual staff, and being aware of cultural norms and practices, is essential during emergency interactions. ^{4, 5}

4. Clear and Simple Communication: In emergencies, using clear, concise language, avoiding medical jargon, and verifying understanding can improve communication effectiveness. Psychological support should emphasize compassionate listening and validation of patient concerns. ^{6, 1}

5. Preparedness and Training: Emergency responders and healthcare providers benefit from training on tailored trauma care, prehospital emergency skills, and cultural competency to better care for Ukrainian patients in crisis scenarios. ^{7, 8, 6}

In summary, the best communication practices for handling Ukrainian patients in emergencies integrate psychological first aid principles, telemedicine tools, language and cultural accommodation, clear empathetic communication, and specialized training for responders. These measures help overcome barriers and provide effective support amid the challenges of conflict and crisis. ^{3, 5, 8, 1, 2, 4, 6}

References

• Psychological first aid for Ukrainian civilians: protocol and reflections on a volunteer international phone-based intervention

• TeleHelp Ukraine: A distributed international telemedicine response to the ongoing war

• Bridging medical expertise in crisis: The development and implementation of a novel mobile application for Ukrainian physicians during wartime

• Public health issues and health rendezvous for migrants from conflict zones in Ukraine: A French practice guideline

• Providing responsive primary care for Ukrainian refugees.

• A qualitative assessment of Ukraine’s trauma system during the Russian conflict: experiences of volunteer healthcare providers

• Effective Humanitarian Work: Teaching Medical Skill Sets in Ukraine

• Ukraine Trauma Project: the feasibility of introducing advanced trauma-care skills to frontline emergency medical services responders

• TeleHelp Ukraine: A distributed international telemedicine response to the ongoing war

• Ukraine’s most vulnerable need healthcare: Priorities during the armed conflict

• Building an Effective International Medical Evacuation Program for Ukrainian Patients With Cancer Amid Prolonged Military Conflict

• Boosting health skills in Ukraine

• Prehospital response to respiratory distress by the public ambulance system in a Ukrainian city.

• We must not neglect rehabilitation in Ukraine

• Act now! Critical care roles and obligations during an urban war

• Ukrainian healthcare providers under siege during the first year of war: challenges and adaptations