Challenges and opportunities caring for neurology outpatients across language differences

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Communication
• Linguistics

Background:

• Over 66 million Americans speak languages other than English at home.
• Effective communication across language differences is crucial in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine neurology clinicians' and staff's attitudes and behaviors regarding communication across language differences.
• To assess the usage, satisfaction, and barriers related to professional medical interpreter (PMI) services.

Main Methods:

• An electronic cross-sectional survey was administered to clinicians and patient services coordinators at an academic neurology outpatient clinic.
• The survey focused on PMI services usage, satisfaction, and perceived barriers to utilization.

Main Results:

• Most clinicians (96%) and coordinators see non-English-speaking patients and use PMI services (85%).
• Face-to-face PMI (39%) and family members (28%) were common interpretation methods, with time constraints (60%) and lack of availability (51%) as key barriers.
• High satisfaction with PMI services was reported (77% clinicians, 71% coordinators), yet consistent inquiry about language needs was low.

Conclusions:

• Despite high satisfaction, perceived barriers and reported practices indicate a need for policy and education improvements for PMI services.
• Enhanced availability, prescheduling, and training on effective PMI use are recommended to optimize language access in neurology.