Background: Research demonstrates a higher percentage of negative outcomes among patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) including infections, falls, pressures ulcers, extended hospitalizations, and readmissions. These negative outcomes have been attributed to inconsistent and insufficient use of interpreter services. In addition, regulations do not allow staff to interpret for their own patients unless they have demonstrated proficiency in that language through formal processes
Purpose/Specific Aims: The purpose of this project is to improve outcomes among patients with LEP in the acute care setting. The specific aims are to:
Educate staff on the problem and best evidence-based practices
Facilitate language proficiency testing among bilingual staff
Implement language concordant assignments
Methods: This project involves strategies to engage front-line nurses, implement an educational program and facilitate language concordance. The project was completed on an 8-bed surgical ICU and a 11-bed trauma ICU at an urban, academic medical center in the northeast region. Data on patient satisfaction with nursing communication, nurse satisfaction, perceptions of quality outcomes, and interpreter service usage will be evaluated. Differences between pre- and post- intervention outcomes will be evaluated.
Results: This project demonstrated an improvement in person interpreter usage and decreased use of hand gestures as a method of communication in patients with limited English proficiency. Nurses also stated they strongly agree that language concordant assignments improve the quality of care for patients with LEP, thus demonstrating recognition of the importance of effective communication.
Conclusion: To best meet the needs of patients with LEP and to reduce the likelihood of error, effective communication is essential. This includes nurses learning to work effectively with interpreter services. Bilingual nurses need to be encouraged to take language proficiency tests and then be given opportunities to care for those with whom they share a language.
