Developing an audio-based communication tool for NICU discharge of Latino families with limited English proficiency
Sara Munoz-Blanco1, Renee D Boss2, Lisa Ross DeCamp1
1Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, United States.
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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