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Rivera L, Butler H, Salinas KE, Wade C, Bazan M, Larson E, Molina RL. Communication Preferences During Pregnancy Care Among Patients With Primary Spanish Language: A Scoping Review. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:164-171. [PMID: 37827863 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qualified language service providers (QLSPs)-professional interpreters or multilingual clinicians certified to provide care in another language-are critical to ensuring meaningful language access for patients. Designing patient-centered systems for language access could improve quality of pregnancy care. OBJECTIVE We synthesized and identified gaps in knowledge about communication preferences during pregnancy care among patients with Spanish primary language. METHODS We performed a scoping review of original research studies published between 2000 and 2022 that assessed communication preferences in Spanish-speaking populations during pregnancy care. Studies underwent title, abstract, and full-text review by three investigators. Data were extracted for synthesis and thematic analysis. RESULTS We retrieved 1,539 studies. After title/abstract screening, 36 studies underwent full-text review, and 13 of them met inclusion criteria. Two additional studies were included after reference tracing. This yielded a total of 15 studies comprising qualitative (n = 7), quantitative (n = 4), and mixed-methods (n = 4) studies. Three communication preference themes were identified: language access through QLSPs (n = 7); interpersonal dynamics and perceptions of quality of care (n = 9); and information provision and shared decision-making (n = 8). Although seven studies reported a strong patient preference to receive prenatal care from Spanish-speaking clinicians, none of the included studies assessed clinician Spanish language proficiency or QLSP categorization. CONCLUSIONS Few studies have assessed communication preferences during pregnancy care among patients with primary Spanish language. Future studies to improve communication during pregnancy care for patients with primary Spanish language require intentional analysis of their communication preferences, including precision regarding language proficiency among clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Rivera
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Carrie Wade
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Bazan
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elysia Larson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rose L Molina
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Müller F, Ngo J, Arnetz JE, Holman HT. Development and validation of the provider assessed quality of consultations with language interpretation scale (PQC-LI). BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:15. [PMID: 38178154 PMCID: PMC10768141 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the growing immigrant communities in the western world, there is an urgent need to address language barriers to care, and health disparities as a whole. Studies on limited English proficiency patients (LEP) have focused on patient perspectives of office visits, however little is known about health care provider perspectives of medical visits using interpretive services. We aimed to develop a pragmatic brief questionnaire for assessing providers' views of the quality of communication in outpatient visits with patients with LEP. The questionnaire was validated in a cross-sectional study (n = 99) using principal component analyses (PCA) with oblimin rotation. Internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS Based on theory and literature, a seven-item scale was developed that captures two relevant concepts: (1) Provider - patient interaction during the consultation and (2) perceived quality of translation. The questionnaire was used to assess 99 LEP consultations and demonstrated good feasibility in a clinical setting. PCA revealed the two theory-based components with good factor loadings and internal consistency of α = 0.77. These preliminary results indicate that the questionnaire provides medical professionals with a validated tool to evaluate LEP patient encounters. Further confirmatory validation of the Provider-assessed Quality of Consultations with Language Interpretation (PQC-LI) in larger samples is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Müller
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, 15 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Spectrum Health Family Medicine Residency Center, 25 Michigan St NE Suite 5100, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 38, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Julie Ngo
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, 15 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Judith E Arnetz
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, 15 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Harland T Holman
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, 15 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Spectrum Health Family Medicine Residency Center, 25 Michigan St NE Suite 5100, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Salinas KE, Bazan M, Rivera L, Butler H, Larson E, Guise JM, Hacker MR, Kaimal AJ, Molina RL. Experiences and Communication Preferences in Pregnancy Care Among Patients With a Spanish Language Preference: A Qualitative Study. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:1227-1236. [PMID: 37708499 PMCID: PMC10767752 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore Spanish-speaking patients' experiences and preferences regarding communication during pregnancy care with specific attention to language barriers. METHODS Patients with a Spanish language preference who gave birth between July 2022 and February 2023 at an academic medical center were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus groups were held over Zoom, audio-recorded, transcribed in Spanish, translated into English, and reviewed for translation accuracy. Thematic analysis was conducted with deductive and inductive approaches. Three investigators double-coded all transcripts, and discrepancies were resolved through team consensus. RESULTS Seven focus groups (27 total participants, range 2-6 per group) were held. Three key themes emerged regarding patient experiences and communication preferences when seeking pregnancy care: 1) language concordance and discordance between patients and clinicians are not binary-they exist on a continuum; 2) language-discordant care is common and presents communication challenges, even with qualified interpreters present; and 3) language discordance can be overcome with positive interpersonal dynamics between clinicians and patients. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of relationship to overcome language discordance among patients with limited English proficiency during pregnancy care. These findings inform potential structural change and patient-clinician dyad interventions to better meet the communication needs of patients with limited English proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Bazan
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | | | | | - Elysia Larson
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Jeanne-Marie Guise
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Michele R. Hacker
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Anjali J. Kaimal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida
| | - Rose L. Molina
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Prochaska EC, Caballero TM, Fabre V, Milstone AM. Infection prevention requires attention to patient and caregiver language: Removing language barriers from infection prevention education. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1707-1710. [PMID: 37039600 PMCID: PMC10691433 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. Prochaska
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tania Maria Caballero
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valeria Fabre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron M. Milstone
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Rigney GH, Ghoshal S, Mercaldo S, Cheng D, Parks JJ, Velmahos GC, Lev MH, Raja AS, Flores EJ, Succi MD. Assessing the Relationship Between Race, Language, and Surgical Admissions in the Emergency Department. West J Emerg Med 2023; 24:141-148. [PMID: 36976591 PMCID: PMC10047742 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.10.57276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION English proficiency and race are both independently known to affect surgical access and quality, but relatively little is known about the impact of race and limited English proficiency (LEP) on admission for emergency surgery from the emergency department (ED). Our objective was to examine the influence of race and English proficiency on admission for emergency surgery from the ED. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study from January 1-December 31, 2019 at a large, quaternary-care urban, academic medical center with a 66-bed ED Level I trauma and burn center. We included ED patients of all self-reported races reporting a preferred language other than English and requiring an interpreter or declaring English as their preferred language (control group). A multivariable logistic regression was fit to assess the association of LEP status, race, age, gender, method of arrival to the ED, insurance status, and the interaction between LEP status and race with admission for surgery from the ED. RESULTS A total of 85,899 patients (48.1% female) were included in this analysis, of whom 3,179 (3.7%) were admitted for emergent surgery. Regardless of LEP status, patients identifying as Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.456, 95% CI 0.388-0.533; P<0.005), Asian [OR 0.759, 95% CI 0.612-0.929]; P=0.009), or female [OR 0.926, 95% CI 0.862-0.996]; P=0.04) had significantly lower odds for admission for surgery from the ED compared to White patients. Compared to individuals on Medicare, those with private insurance [OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.39; P <0.005) were significantly more likely to be admitted for emergent surgery, whereas those without insurance [OR 0.581, 95% CI 0.323-0.958; P=0.05) were significantly less likely to be admitted for emergent surgery. There was no significant difference in odds of admission for surgery between LEP vs non-LEP patients. CONCLUSION Individuals without health insurance and those identifying as female, Black, or Asian had significantly lower odds of admission for surgery from the ED compared to those with health insurance, males, and those self-identifying as White, respectively. Future studies should assess the reasons underpinning this finding to elucidate impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant H Rigney
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Soham Ghoshal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Mercaldo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Debby Cheng
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan J Parks
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - George C Velmahos
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael H Lev
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ali S Raja
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Efren J Flores
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc D Succi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medically Engineered Solutions in Healthcare Incubator, Innovation in Operations Research Center (MESH IO), Boston, Massachusetts
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Munoz-Blanco S, Boss RD, DeCamp LR, Donohue PK. Developing an audio-based communication tool for NICU discharge of Latino families with limited English proficiency. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:1524-1531. [PMID: 34674921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research shows NICU Latino parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) feel less comfortable asking questions and participating in medical decision-making, which may negatively affect transition to community healthcare. Question prompt lists (QPL), suggested questions sometimes drawn from families and providers, can improve family-centered communication. We explored clinician and parent perceptions to inform development of and pilot a NICU discharge QPL. METHODS Focus groups with NICU and primary care providers explored perceived educational needs of Latino parents LEP and barriers to effective transition to community healthcare. Semi-structured interviews with Latino parents LEP explored perceptions of knowledge gaps and recommendations to improve the transition process. A Spanish audio QPL for parents and an English written version for providers were developed and pilot tested for acceptability. RESULTS Provider focus groups (n = 27) and parent interviews (n = 19) identified themes: decreased parent activation, knowledge gaps, limited-use interpreters, unfamiliarity with healthcare system, and social isolation as barriers to smooth NICU-to-home transition. Providers (n = 11) and parents (n = 10) favored QPL introduction early in NICU admission, finding it useful to improve communication and transition processes for families. CONCLUSION Our QPL may address challenges faced by Latino parents LEP when transitioning home. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS QPLs may improve Latino NICU infants' healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Munoz-Blanco
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, United States.
| | - Renee D Boss
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, United States; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, 1809 Ashland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Lisa Ross DeCamp
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, United States.
| | - Pamela K Donohue
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
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Rajbhandari P, Keith MF, Braidy R, Gunkelman SM, Smith E. Interpreter Use for Limited English Proficiency Patients/Families: A QI Study. Hosp Pediatr 2021; 11:718-726. [PMID: 34583318 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2020-003889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication is fundamental to high-quality health care. Despite federal requirements to provide interpreters and growing evidence favoring the benefits of interpreter use, providers' use of interpreters remains suboptimal. In acute care settings, where decisions need to be made rapidly on the basis of changing clinical circumstances, this has proven to be challenging. METHODS We designed a quality improvement project using the model for improvement methodology for patients admitted to the pediatric hospital medicine service. A multidisciplinary team developed interventions focused on provider education and leveraging health information technology (IT). We used health IT to improve the identification of families with limited English proficiency, improve access to various modalities of interpreting, standardize workflow to request face-to-face (F2F) interpreters, and create a designated place in the electronic health record for interpreter use documentation. The use of all forms (telephone, video, and F2F) of interpreter service, documentation of interpreter uses, and F2F interpreter overload were tracked monthly for 3 years. RESULTS The baseline use of interpreter services for the pediatric hospital medicine inpatient service was 64%. After starting the project, the use of interpreter service increased to 97% and has sustained for more than a year since the project's completion. The use of F2F interpreters also increased from a baseline of 20% to 54% post intervention. CONCLUSIONS We successfully achieved and sustained our goals of improving interpreter use through supportive leadership and a multidisciplinary approach using quality improvement methodology. Future efforts should be focused on defining and standardizing metrics for families with limited English proficiency across institutions and using health IT to improve care.
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Creating a Tool to Assess Interpretive Services Perceptions at a Hospital System Level. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 23:1116-1120. [PMID: 33837894 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01197-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of using professional interpretive services (IS) when communicating with patients and families with limited English proficiency (LEP) is well described in the literature. There is no standardized tool to reliably evaluate IS from the point of view of bedside care providers. Collected local qualitative data and literature review informed an anonymous electronic survey that was distributed to physicians and nursing staff at a tertiary care children's hospital. Authors then used exploratory factor analysis to analyze results. Survey response rate was 27%. Seven key factors were identified; the original survey was revised using the two most impactful questions contributing to each factor. Re-analysis showed Pearson correlation coefficients at or above 0.9. Using this simplified 14 question questionnaire, hospital systems can assess the knowledge, attitudes, self-reported utilization and perceived barriers around IS, allowing for targeted interventions to improve the care of LEP patients.
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