Title of Research
Start Date
17-8-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
17-8-2018 11:30 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Limited English proficiency (LEP) population continues to grow; and healthcare providers now face communication challenges when providing care to LEP patients. Multiple studies show that a rate of interpretive assistance provided remains low and patients with LEP tend to have higher risk for adverse effects when compared to English speakers.
Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify the existing barriers contributing to underutilization of interpretive services among medical personnel when providing care to LEP patients, and provide potential suggestions to improve the linguistic competence.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted using the following search engines: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Nursing/Allied Health Source. A total of six articles were chosen for a review of the first research question and four articles for a review of the second research question and all articles were published in English and between years of 2007 and 2017.
Results: Among the identified barriers that contribute to underutilization of linguistic aids among healthcare professionals, the six most supported barriers were: time constraints, liability concerns, perceived cost, convenience of using ad hoc interpreters, clinical complexity and provider’s own language skills. Four major recommendations were identified that addressed these barriers: organizational commitment, training/education of healthcare providers, training of administrative and bilingual staff, and organizational investment.
Conclusion: Ineffective communication remains a major factor contributing to higher rates of health complications. Therefore, addressing the issue of misunderstanding between healthcare providers and LEP patients will contribute to better health outcomes.
Included in
Barriers Preventing Healthcare Providers from Utilizing Linguistic Services for Limited English Proficiency Patients
Abstract
Background: Limited English proficiency (LEP) population continues to grow; and healthcare providers now face communication challenges when providing care to LEP patients. Multiple studies show that a rate of interpretive assistance provided remains low and patients with LEP tend to have higher risk for adverse effects when compared to English speakers.
Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify the existing barriers contributing to underutilization of interpretive services among medical personnel when providing care to LEP patients, and provide potential suggestions to improve the linguistic competence.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted using the following search engines: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Nursing/Allied Health Source. A total of six articles were chosen for a review of the first research question and four articles for a review of the second research question and all articles were published in English and between years of 2007 and 2017.
Results: Among the identified barriers that contribute to underutilization of linguistic aids among healthcare professionals, the six most supported barriers were: time constraints, liability concerns, perceived cost, convenience of using ad hoc interpreters, clinical complexity and provider’s own language skills. Four major recommendations were identified that addressed these barriers: organizational commitment, training/education of healthcare providers, training of administrative and bilingual staff, and organizational investment.
Conclusion: Ineffective communication remains a major factor contributing to higher rates of health complications. Therefore, addressing the issue of misunderstanding between healthcare providers and LEP patients will contribute to better health outcomes.