Patients have a fundamental right to considerate care that safeguards their personal dignity and respects their cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual values. The Hospital respects the rights of patients to be involved in all aspects of their care. Patient involvement requires effective communication. Effective communication requires that information be presented in ways that are understandable to patients and families. Patient assessment includes determining barriers to effective communication. Language interpreters are provided to patients who are unable to communicate effectively in English. Sign-language interpreters are provided for patients whose hearing loss prevents effective verbal communication.