THE SILENT STRUGGLE: EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWNS IN HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

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Abstract This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of patients and healthcare professionals regarding communication breakdowns in healthcare delivery in the Northern Region of Ghana, using a phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of 20 participants took part in semi-structured interviews, and the data was thematically analyzed to identify key themes and patterns. The findings reveal that linguistic diversity, low health literacy, and hierarchical communication systems are common causes of miscommunication, misinterpretation, misconceptions and misdiagnoses. Due to logistical challenges and fragmented care coordination, delays in treatment and additional complications emerged as systemic issues. In addition, participants expressed less satisfaction with their experiences receiving healthcare and emphasized how imprecise instructions and a lack of effective provider-patient communication caused poor adherence to treatment protocols. To overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, the study suggests that healthcare professionals receive focused training in intercultural competency and that interpreters with professional training, local language and cultural knowledge should be strategically hired for provider-patients’ interpretations. Enhancing communication, building patient trust, and improving regional healthcare results largely depend on these initiatives.

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