Minimizing Variability in Interpretation Modality Among Spanish-Speaking Patients With Limited English Proficiency

Provider-patient language discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings about follow-up care instructions and decreased adherence to treatment that may contribute to disparities in health outcomes among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). This observational study aimed to understand how emergency department (ED) staff went about treating patients with LEP and examine the impact of consistent interpretation modality on overall patient satisfaction and comprehension.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Spanish-speaking patients with LEP presenting to the ED. A survey was administered at two different time points: after patients provided their history of present illness and after the patient received information regarding follow-up treatment.

Analysis of average visual analog scale (VAS) scores by consistency of interpretation suggested higher overall scores among participants that received care via the same communication modalities during both the history of present illness and at disposition, when compared with patients that did not. At both time points, video-based interpretation was associated with higher VAS scores in comparison to other modalities, whereas phone-based interpretation was associated with lower VAS scores.

Providing consistent modes of interpretation to patient's with LEP throughout their ED visits improved their overall satisfaction of care provided and understandings of discharge instructions.