Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

After interviewing all of the parties involved, the author concluded that Lia's life was cut short by misunderstanding more than any other factor. At every step along the way the choices made could have been different, and may have had better outcomes if communication was improved. This issue transcends Lia and the Hmong community. Any person, when working with someone from another ethnic background, is responsible for ensuring respect and proper communication. As love and understanding grew between Foua and Lia's doctors, their communication improved. However, Lia's life might have been very different if healthy communication existed from the beginning. Cultural considerations, such as a female doctor treating Foua and Lia, might have made the Lees more comfortable. Limiting testing and blood draws would have shown respect for their religious beliefs. Other obvious improvements include the presence and availability of interpreters...