Self-Reported Barriers to Healthcare and Interpreter Preferences for Patients with Limited-English-Proficiency in an Urban Emergency Department

Main Article Content

Nivedita Poola, MD Rashmi Koul Shreya Sharma Angie Ng, MSW Elana Hayasaka, MD Christina P.C. Borba, PhD, MPH http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3559-9351 Suzanne Sarfaty, MD http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9129-9383 Kathleen Flinton, MSW, LICSW Nicolette Oleng, MD Sondra Crosby, MD http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1672-5407 Linda Piwowarczyk, MD http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0791-9605 Senait Ghebrehiwet, MPH http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9611-9684 Gabrielle A Jacquet, MD, MPH http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9486-5512

Abstract

Introduction: In the United States, limited English proficient (LEP) patients often use emergency departments (ED) as their primary source of healthcare. Beyond language barriers, little is known about what other barriers LEP patients face to utilizing emergency care. The authors attempted to identify other barriers as well as gather data regarding patient preference for interpretation modality.


Methods: A survey was administered to LEP patients at an urban, academic ED from June 2016 to September 2018. Participants rated 17 predetermined barriers and reported preferred interpretation modality.


Results: The study population included 87 LEP participants from 13 countries, speaking 8 primary languages. The most common barriers “of high concern” were “paying the bill” (n=19), “wait time” (n=18), and “belief that professional care probably would not help” (n=15). A majority of participants (n=60, 61%) preferred in-person professional interpreters to other forms of interpretation.


Conclusions: Addressing these specific barriers may improve access and utilization of emergency care for LEP patients. In-person professional interpreters should be utilized whenever possible.

Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Emergency Care, Interpreter Services, Immigrants, Refugees

Article Details

How to Cite
POOLA, Nivedita et al. Self-Reported Barriers to Healthcare and Interpreter Preferences for Patients with Limited-English-Proficiency in an Urban Emergency Department. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 8, aug. 2020. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/2173>. Date accessed: 29 mar. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v8i8.2173.
Section
Research Articles

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